177 Nations of Tasmania - October highlights - Photo sessions in Launceston

October was a bit of a slow month for the 177 Nations of Tasmania project, but there was one big highlight, and that was a trip to Launceston to photograph and video some of the Launceston-based podcast participants. We had 6 booked for sessions, though one had to withdraw late due to illness, nevertheless, it was certainly enough to make the trip worthwhile. What a diverse and interesting bunch of people we had come in too, with small island nations, war and sacrifice being strong themes and the nations of Seychelles, Timor Leste, Iraq/Palestine, Malta and South Africa being represented.

Our first model was Anna, attired suitably in bright tropical colours that representing the beautiful island nation of the Seychelles. Her journey to Australia is a story of looking for better opportunity, work-life balance and sacrifice. She came to Australia both to study and to be with her partner, with whom she'd been in a long-distance relationship for 2 1/2 years prior to coming to Launceston. The sacrifice was being separated from her young son, who, due to covid restrictions, she didn't see for 5 years.

From east of Afica, to South Africa, Helen left her homeland in 1976, shortly after the Soweto uprising, with her Australian husband. She had some interesting and nuanced reflections about South Africa after almost 50 years in Tasmania. The soap stone statue of the African man that she brought along is one of the few things she has left that connects her with South Africa and looking at it on her mantlepiece brings back memories of the people and places that she loved.

Adel was born in Bagdad, Iraq, to a Palestinian father and Iraqi mother. His whole story is more than I can convey here, so I suggested very much checking out the podcast episode. Adel is a person who very much wears his heart upon his sleave and his interactions with Andrew as he told the story of his Palestinian family's dispossession of their land by the Israeli occupation and his own flight from Iraq during the first Gulf War, I think will result in some powerful imagery. The symbolism and history of the Palestinian keffiyah that he is wearing, I think will make for some striking portraits with a real story behind them.

Rose told us that she had had a stroke just a few weeks ago, but was not going to miss out on her photo shoot. This is perhaps a reflection of her Maltese heritage. The St George's Cross on the flag she has draped over her was awarded to the whole people as a result of the bravery and resillience in resisting the relentless bombing of the main island by the Axis powers during World War 2. Malta was the most bombed territory in the whole war, and Rose was worn just at the end of the siege. Although she has lived in Australia a long time now, she is super proud of her heritage and still speaks Maltese when she gets a chance - so I recorded her speaking a bit of it on video.

L

Last, but not least, was Elvira, in a very impressive traditional outfit. She also brought a couple of costume assistants, which added a bit to the occasion and made it feel a bit special for her I think. A lot of people I've spoken to either have not heard of East Timor and most are surprising to know that we have a decent number living in Tasmania, mostly working on farms doing seasonal work. Therefore, it's great that we have the opportunity, thanks to Elvira, to publicise East Timorese culture in Tasmania and make people a bit more aware of this small but growing community in our state.

The exhibition is currently still on display on Level 2 of the Hobart State Library until January. We hope next year that we may be able tour it to other libraries around the state, but we will see.

To hear more about these and many other stories, check out the podcast here :