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177 Nations of Tasmania Photography and Storytelling Exhibition at the Hobart Library

We set up the photo display on Level 2 of the Hobart library back in March, but it's taken a bit of time to get rolling again with the photo sessions, but in the last few weeks we have gathered a bit of momentum and have slowly been getting more bookings. Of course, it would be nice to get a few more, but organising people for these shoots has been a bit like herding cats this time around !


We are fortunate through the State Library and Archives of Tasmania is allowing us to use their space until the end of July, so there is plenty of opportunity to come and see the exhibition as it grows still further, and also for more podcast participants to come in and have their photo taken. Below are some pictures from a couple of portrait sessions that we have conducted recently.


Jean-Marie, here wearing a brightly coloured shirt from Mauritius. The shirt is emblazoned with pictures of the Dodo, perhaps the most famous extinct bird, which was once indigenous to Mauritius.
Jean-Marie, here wearing a brightly coloured shirt from Mauritius. The shirt is emblazoned with pictures of the Dodo, perhaps the most famous extinct bird, which was once indigenous to Mauritius.

Interestingly enough, three of the first four people have come from little island nations, namely Singapore, Macau and Mauritius. All former colonies of various European powers as well, of course, which have left their mark in one way or another.

Joanna, from Singapore, is holding a distinctive teapot, which comes originally from Malacca and features designs and emblems typical of Peranakan Chinese culture with the Phoenix being particularly prominent
Joanna, from Singapore, is holding a distinctive teapot, which comes originally from Malacca and features designs and emblems typical of Peranakan Chinese culture with the Phoenix being particularly prominent

A big part of these sessions is not just the photography, it's also hearing people tell the stories of the clothing or the objects that they have brought along. Some of them have featured distinctive emblems that had a particular significance, such as the Phoenix in Paranakan culture or the Dodo in Mauritius. You realise that there are so many of these stories in our relatively small community in Tasmania from around the world.

Micheal, talks to Andrew about life in his home country of Benin
Micheal, talks to Andrew about life in his home country of Benin

I have been very keen to document the process of the photo shoots in order to show that these sessions are not only about the final result, but also to show that the personal interactions were a part of the process, and also something that has been enjoyable for both the participants and me and Andrew. All the people so far have been very talkative and generous in sharing with us about themselves and their countries, and I strongly believe that the photos you will see in the exhibition will be a result of those positive interactions.


Ariana holds a pair of Portuguese made tiles, reflecting the different cultural influences of Macau
Ariana holds a pair of Portuguese made tiles, reflecting the different cultural influences of Macau

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