'Special place' portraits capture essence of aunties and their stories

An exhibition in Albany, Western Australia, is bringing to light the stories and deep connections of the Menang people through portrait photography. Titled 'Binalup, Menang | First Light, First People,' the project is part of ongoing celebrations for Albany's bicentenary.

Photographer Nic Duncan collaborated with Menang elders and younger community members to create portraits at locations personally significant to them. The exhibition showcases 29 individuals, aiming to capture their profound connection to country and their personal experiences.

Elder Vernice Gillies describes her feeling at a local fish trap site as akin to "an umbilical cord," highlighting a peaceful, healed landscape. Another elder, Carol Petterson, emphasized the importance of these individuals, stating, "They weren't high-profile people, but they helped build this region and this state. Their names and their stories matter."

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an umbilical cord

The project originated from conversations around a campfire and evolved over two years. Duncan and Aunty Carol's collaboration involved exploring the very places Carol had written about, with her sharing insights into her family's history and local bush foods. The exhibition also addresses the community's initial reluctance towards the bicentenary celebrations, particularly after the referendum on the Voice, and how a city reference group provided a platform for expressing dissatisfaction before engagement.

Duncan noted the challenge of honoring both the individual and their connection to place, particularly when capturing powerful childhood memories, such as Aunty Treasy Woods's account of a significant childhood experience at a specific location.

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They weren't high-profile people, but they helped build this region and this state. Their names and their stories matter.