Forever in Lockdown SALA Gallery

Remember COVID lockdowns?

Imagine if the lockdown never ended. This is the experience of our artists who live with the disabling illness, ME/CFS.

We are online/post only community of people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in SA. People with ME/CFS are amongst the most disabled in the community and many rarely leave their homes or even their beds. Social isolation is common and people turn to us for social support.  

The public understands COVID lockdowns, but we ask them to imagine what it is like if the lockdown never ends.  Art is a way to cope with the realities of living with chronic illness, use our talents and connect with the outside world. All of our artists are disabled artists and their carers. Art is created in ways that may seem unusual such as from a bed or using aids or accommodations.

Thank you to Jo-Anna Robinson (PhotoJo) for her contribution to the photography.

We would like to acknowledge that many of our members wanted to participate but were too unwell to do so. They are an important part of our community and we remind them that they are not forgotten.

Proudly supported by Foundation SA 

Browsing the gallery: 

• To use this gallery, please click on an image to open the mini-gallery, then click again to zoom in (available on most images). 
• Artist's commentary, biography information, and sales contacts can be found by clicking on the button link below their gallery.
• Descriptions of images for screen readers also available in each artist profile.

ME/CFS SA SALA Gallery

Did you know? An estimated 500,000 Australians have ME/CFS; half of them have COVID19 induced ME/CFS (aka Long COVID).

Did you know? ME/CFS is a serious, complex and disabling neuroimmune condition that affects every system in the body, significantly reducing functional capacity.

Did you know? The public is largely unaware of the prevalence, the severity and the significant impact this illness has on the lives of those with ME/CFS and their families.

Did you know? ME/CFS affects all age groups, including young children.

Did you know? Peak ages of onset are 10-19 and 30-39 years.

Did you know? Fewer than 15% of people with ME/CFS are able to work even part-time.

Did you know? ME/CFS affects four times more women than men.

Did you know? 25% of ME/CFS cases are severe, where people rarely leave their homes; or very severe, where people are bedbound.

Did you know? The hallmark feature of the illness is post-exertional malaise (PEM), in which symptoms are exacerbated by physical or cognitive effort. 

Did you know?  For people with ME/CFS, even basic activities of daily living such as bathing, eating, dressing and even talking can trigger PEM.

Did you know? PEM involves a protracted recovery, often days, weeks or months, unlike healthy fatigue, which can be pushed through and reversed by sleep. 

Did you know? Suicide is six times more likely in ME/CFS patients compared to the general population.

Did you know? It can be extremely difficult to find doctors trained in ME/CFS. 

Did you know?  There are no officially approved medical treatments or nursing support guidelines available.

Did you know? Research funding for ME/CFS has been minimal and does not reflect the economic burden of this disease on society, which is now estimated to cost Australia as much as $30 billion pa.

Did you know?  ME/CFS causes problems with concentration, information processing, memory, physical tasks, and more.

Did you know? ME/CFS should not be referred to as "chronic fatigue", as this is a symptom of many illnesses and busy lifestyles.

Did you know? Exercise is not a cure for ME/CFS.

Did you know? Anyone can get ME/CFS at any time.

More information on SALA can be found on their home page.

Proudly supported by Foundation SA 

Copyright of all content (images and text) belongs to the artist credited. All work is used here with permission and shall not be used by any other organisation or individual for any purpose or in any way without express written permission of the artist.