Tasmanian photographer Liam James makes work which simultaneously celebrates and gently mocks contemporary Australian senses of patriotism and national identity. Teaming sterile beachside backdrops with listless Anglo subjects, the 2014 MONA scholarship recipient’s latest exhibition ‘Seven Sisters: The Sailing Ones’ presents seven ‘photographic allegories’ which explore themes of ‘sadness, displacement, beauty and nationhood.’
The exhibition, curated by MONA’s Jarrod Rawlins, is the culmination of 12 months of work following being granted the scholarship and is primarily informed by James’ personal exploration of Australian identity. James says, “I’m still working-class-poor, drunk far too often, smoke more than I would like, and I never read as much as I should – so if I have changed through this experience, I’ve become more passionate about this line of enquiry; trying to make sense of our national identity.’
‘Seven Sisters: The Sailing Ones’ runs from the 10th of October to the 2nd of November at MONA.
Credits
Text Ellen Rule
Image via Liam James