This exhibition aims to showcase photographic portraits of Australian First Nations Elders who were present at the 2023 NAIDOC celebrations in Ipswich. This project acknowledges, honours, and shows our appreciation for each of the subject’s role as an Elder in the community of Ipswich.
The exhibition portraits take on special significance, considering that the 2023 NAIDOC celebration theme For Our Elders. It is the most compelling reason for this community-led project to be exhibited in Ipswich, to service its own community and to acknowledge and pay respect to the important role that these Elders serve. Elders are the lifeblood of the community, and their life stories need to be made visible as well as be cherished as part of this community.
The photographer of the portraits, Dr Jason Castro, worked in collaboration with the First Nations people of Ipswich to create portraits that depict the Elders as full of agency and strength. The works show beautiful, striking, complex subjects that represent the local community.
Image: Jason Castro, Aunty Antionette House, 2023, Photograph, 42 cm x 60 cm, Image courtesy of the artist.
