Steep Collective

Live and work: Nowra, NSW

Artist Statement

Unmapping Becoming, 2025
Acrylic paint on canvas, printed on corflute.

Unmapping Becoming is a living, collaborative work created by young people from across the Shoalhaven. The artwork was developed through a series of immersive, place-based workshops by Beyond Empathy which offered space for free, intuitive expression through painting—encouraging participants to explore what feels meaningful to them, and drawing on personal experiences and connection to place.

The resulting work – a rich, collective portrait composed of unique illustrations – challenges the tendency to view young people as a singular, monolithic voice. Each artwork stands as an assertion of agency, revealing the complexity, sensitivity, and insight that young people bring to their experience of self, place, and community.

In contrast to fixed or external narratives of who young people are, Unmapping Becoming gestures toward a process of unmapping — of stepping beyond imposed definitions and linear paths. It foregrounds identity as fluid, evolving, and deeply relational. It invites the viewer to engage beyond surface impressions—to recognise the multiplicity of young people, and to honour the importance of listening closely to individual stories in their community.

This collaborative artwork is by: Arabella, Arrow, Ayla, Ben, Byron, Chris, Eliza, Emma, Grace, Harmony, Jes, Jessie, Kasey, Lani, Lilly, Mason, Nova, Pharrell, Quinn, Sol, Tiger, Zack, and Year 8 Ulladulla High School MyStrengths Program Participants.