Ron Guy: Bridging Art and Workers’ Struggles – A Unionist’s Tale

In the realm where art meets activism, Ron Guy, a dedicated member of the Australian Workers Union, has carved out a unique space. His journey as an artist is a testament to the enduring fight for workers’ rights and the vital role that art plays in capturing and expressing the struggles of the labor movement.

 

For Ron, the inspiration to create art around the “We Are Union” theme is deeply rooted in the long-standing union campaign for justice in asbestos-related cases. He vividly recalls the loss of a fellow AMWU colleague, Jimmy Mulholland, in 1997, a fitter and turner who had spent time at James Hardie. Jimmy’s untimely passing due to asbestos exposure became a stark reminder of the need for accountability. Ron also reflects on the tragic history of Baryulgil, a small Aboriginal community in NSW, where asbestos mining by the notorious James Hardie company resulted in the premature deaths of many workers, women, and children. Bernie Banton, who became the face of the asbestos campaign, ultimately succumbed to asbestosis in 2007. Ron emphasises that this fight transcends legal battles; it’s a battle that will be won through public awareness and advocacy.

 

Ron’s artistic journey has been intertwined with his union involvement from the start. Inspired by Social Realist artists like Noel Counihan, Vic O’Connor, and Mary Hammond, he found himself working shifts in the chemical industry on Melbourne’s Golden Mile. This provided him with both the time to attend art school at RMIT and a ringside seat to the struggles for workers’ rights amidst industrial landscapes. He acknowledges the significance of union achievements like the 35-hour workweek, superannuation, and domestic violence policies in shaping his perspective.

 

Ron firmly believes that art serves as a potent tool for expressing the experiences of workers and the essence of working life. Beyond its therapeutic value in helping individuals cope with fatigue and mental stress, art is a historical record.

 

It encapsulates the ever-changing social and industrial landscape, and Ron values the historical importance of the poster collections at Victorian Trades Hall, which document workers’ rights, women’s rights, anti-apartheid movements, struggles in Timor-Leste, and human rights campaigns.

 

Through his submitted artwork for the “We Are Union” theme, Ron aimed to convey the message that struggles are often long-fought battles, spanning many years. He hopes people not only acknowledge the ongoing OHS campaign but also take the opportunity to delve into the history, dates, and events surrounding asbestos, the legal battles, and the corporate decisions that placed profit above workers’ lives.

 

Ron’s artwork is a reflection of the core values and mission of the Australian Workers Union. It underscores the union’s commitment to ensuring that every worker returns home safely. The fight against asbestos-related diseases continues, both within Australia and for workers worldwide, an issue the AWU and other unions remain dedicated to.

 

Unionism isn’t just an affiliation for Ron; it’s part of his DNA. Born in Australia but with roots in a coal mining family from Durham, UK, he draws inspiration from the region’s tradition of combining art and unionism, epitomised by mining pit banners paraded during Mining Day Picnics. Ron’s connection to art and unionism runs deep, with art and activism intertwined since his earliest days.

 

Creating his artwork for this prize came with its own set of challenges. Ron worked with oil paint, a medium known for its slow drying process, while racing against a tight deadline. Revisiting the history of the asbestos campaign was an emotional challenge, with the outcome now apparent but far from guaranteed at the time.

 

Through his artwork displayed at the exhibition, Ron hopes to impress upon viewers the importance of visual art records that go beyond the realm of academia and researchers. He believes that art should be visible, not relegated to dusty shelves, as it has the power to engage and educate all who encounter it.

 

Being part of an event that celebrates the synergy between art and workers’ contributions to society fills Ron with pride. It’s a recognition of the enduring legacy of unionists who have strived for a better world and the pivotal role that art plays in documenting, commemorating, and advocating for workers’ rights.

 

In Ron’s story, we find a mix of artistry and activism, where each brushstroke tells a tale of resilience, solidarity, and the enduring spirit of the labor movement. His dedication to both his craft and the workers’ cause serves as a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire change and preserve the history of workers’ struggles.