JD Mitchell

Reclamation

26 Nov - 7 Dec 2025

Opening night

28 November | 6 - 8pm

G3

Artist Statement

Reclamation is a series of surrealist, conceptual collage self-portraits that explore what it means to define ourselves and our experiences in a world where we are constantly being bombarded with misinformation, hate and discrimination. Through the reclamation of landscape artworks found in op shops across the inner-north of Melbourne, JD carves out spaces for themselves and their experiences.

This process is defiant and many people may find it distasteful or disrespectful to the original artists. However, JD views their works as a call to action for marginalised communities and survivors of violence to no longer shrink ourselves into compliance but build spaces where we can thrive in landscapes that would rather see us fade into the background.

Reclamation is JD’s refusal to be complicit in their own marginalisation and destruction. It is a rebellion against those who wish to silence and disparage others for political or personal gain. Reclamation is JD’s flag that they plant in their own flesh declaring “I am mine and mine alone”.

Artist Biography

JD Mitchell (they/them) is an Art Therapist, poet and mixed media collage and decoupage artist from Naarm. Their works explore the intersections of trauma, madness, queerness, disability and social justice. JD’s artistic style is shaped by their passion for sustainability, utilising re-claimed items and art-works and giving them new life and possibilities. This process is deeply healing for the artist who feels a kinship with lost and discarded items. JD’s work seeks to marry their ever-present internal struggle between cynicism and hope.

JD was a Merri-bek Council Artist in Residence in 2022 as part of the Making Space initiative. They frequently exhibit in group shows across Melbourne and their debut solo show (2022) was an interactive collage exhibition where gallery attendees could tear back layers of collage to reveal hidden truths underneath. JD was a finalist in the 2024 Quadrant Gallery Feel Good Art Prize. They are very excited to bring their mutually playful and sarcastic works to you at Red Gallery through “Reclamation”.

Contact
Phone : (03) 9482 3550
mail@redgallery.com.au

Address
157 St Georges Rd
Fitzroy North, Victoria, 3068
Map

How to get here
Tram: Route 11
Stop 21 just north of Edinburgh Gardens

Melway Ref: 30B12
Parking in nearby streets

Bus: 504 (Reid Street)