Shadowland – A Photographic Exhibition to Touch the Australian Heart
8 May 2005
Local refugees living on Temporary Protection Visas will share their experiences, struggles and hopes at the launch of a new photography exhibition at the Shepparton Art Gallery on Thursday 12th May.
The exhibition is a close collaboration between photographer Viv Mehes, and a number of refugees living on temporary visas in Australia.
It interweaves photo narratives with murals and text, and real fragments of the lives of Wiam, Usama, Shafiqa, Lailya, Masoud and Mohammed, who speak of their exile from their home countries, their struggle to find a safe haven in Australia and their hopes for the future.
Over one and a half years, the photographer has worked closely with the participants as they chose stories and experiences they wished to share with the Australian public. The resulting exhibition tells a tale of remarkable resilience and dignity as they struggle to live in the uncertain shadowland of the new
open-ended rolling visas.
Bold two metre vinyl portrait banners invite the viewer into an intimate room in which each person tells their story in a multilayered installation. Stark and lyrical black and white photographs tell of their flight, their journey to our shores and living for years in our community. Ghostlike voile portraits float without root or anchor linked to photo murals that depict urban landscapes that speak to their sense of wellbeing.
The launch will be held from 2.00 pm on Thursday 12th May at the Shepparton Art Gallery. The exhibition will continue in the gallery until Sunday 12th June. For further information contact Leanne Willis, Director, Shepparton Art Gallery – 5832 9861.