Artist Statement

Coming back to live in Melbourne has been a dream of mine since I was uprooted to Queensland in my teen years. In this photographic series, I endeavour to represent the grime of old bricks, walls layered with spray paint, and souls that exist alongside the decade-old skyscrapers. I was inspired by Ashley Gilbertson’s Requiem to New York, where he photographed the unfolding of COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matters movement and the cultural changes these brought to New York. After seeing his exhibition, I wanted to push myself to photograph strangers and their stories.  Residing in dingy alleyways, I found myself behind the scenes of the Melbourne bourgeoisie. These in-between spaces serve as shortcuts, trash collection, as well as 'smoko' spaces; The residents work for various establishments, often hospitality.  Whether deemed unsavoury or beautiful, these people and spaces are an often-forgotten part of Melbourne's existence. They both metaphorically and physically tie the city together, while keeping it from coming apart. Photographers have often depicted Melbourne's laneways filled with tourists and colourful graffiti, but ignored the ones deemed unphotogenic. I aim to bring these spaces and people to light: as overlooked, yet irreplaceable parts of Melbourne City.