Interview with David Callow
Photographer David Callow answers a few questions about the Bipotaim exhibition
What were your initial thoughts when you were approached to do the project?
'I was delighted to be involved in the project. I had worked with quite a few communities in the Central deserts and Top end regions of Australia and wondered how I might ever get to the Torres Strait Islands. This was the dream assignment.'
What was the process you used to carry out the project?
'I was very fortunate that Robyn Fernandez and the staff at Gab Titui cultural centre had done all the hard work of contacting the communities and sorting out the necessary permissions and schedules before I had even arrived. 80% of the work was already done before the camera came out of the bag. Once on the ground, I spent the first day meeting and discussing with elder groups and participants what we would hoping to achieve with the project. These people understood exactly what we were on about. Many expressed the same concerns - that for the first time in many generations, there was a real chance that these stories would be forgotten and it was imperative that they make a start on recording them.
I would set up somewhere central in each town...near the general store or a church wall...and invite people or groups to participate. It didn't take long for the word to get around about what we were doing.'
Was there anything that really surprised you when conducting interviews?
'I'm not sure there was anything that surprised me. I was most impressed by the strong influence the elder groups had across all islands. The islands, whilst fiercely valuing their independence, appeared to work together and unite as a very powerful and cohesive group and region.'
How would you describe the photographs and why did you choose to photograph the subjects in this style?
'The portraits are at first glance may appear to be quite simple. Indigenous people tend not to project...they just bring themselves and there's a real honesty with their portraits. Initially, I just wanted the viewer to focus on the people within the frame...perhaps to see these people for the first time without the distraction of their environment...to strip away the stereotype...hence the white background.'
'I was very conscious that these photographs would be viewed by those of us in modern cities.'
What can Queenslanders/Australians learn from these stories and images?
'I believe the stories are small vignettes that collectively paint the full and colourful reality of what it was to live during these years. A far richer way of appreciating the joys and hardships than any history book I read whilst at school. It was like spending time in the company of grandparents and listening to their stories. Perhaps experience an alternative point of view.'
What were the particularly poignant stories for you?
'I think the story that helped me understand about external influences on island life was that of Daniel Mosby from Masig Island. He tells of sharing a days catch with every family on the island...as he says 'everyone must have their share'. This went on for generations until people had the opportunity to sell their catch into the mainland and everyone began fishing for themselves. The crossing of community to economy…this would place undue pressure on the island culture and community.'
How did the people you photographed respond to being placed under the spotlight?
'I believe the people enjoyed the project. It was only open to people who wished to be involved. Initially it moved slowly and cautiously but by the end of the day people were queuing to have their say and be photographed.'
How important is it to preserve the stories of Torres Strait people?
'This is so important. If these stories are not captured now, there is a real chance that they will disappear forever. Perhaps we are in a time where island culture is in greatest competition with external influences. New generations now look beyond the island horizons and can be easily distracted from their island heritage. Oral histories are at greatest risk if this results in a loss of interest by a single generation... albeit momentary.'
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Last updated: 27th July 2011
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