Initially, I was inspired by the poster for Refugee Solidarity Meanjin with arms crossed and hands in fists. In the first sketch, the chains break off to birds, expressing imprisonment to freedom. This is a commonly used symbol so I wanted to ideate further. I tried to encapsulate the paradox of the unfair treatment of refugees in the second sketch, using the symbol of the scales of justice. Finally, the third image uses hyperbole with the rhetorical exaggeration of the large figure disproportionate to Australia. The message is clear and draws upon the idea that this mistreatment cannot be kept a dark secret hidden underground and the figure is rising above with a raised fist highlighting their empowerment.
The flowers paired with the prison bar grabs the viewer's attention and the reader questions why refugees are treated like criminals. Interest is created with the juxtaposition between the hand holding the iron bar and the hand holding the flower stems. The use of red creates interest, linking to the paradox of the blood on the hands of the Australian government but the innocence of the refugees with the bouquet of flowers. I aimed the poster towards families with young children, as the imprisoned are separated from their families. This creates empathy, with the desire for freedom and the flowers expressing seeing their family again.