Monday 7 December 2009

Breathe


Staring blankly into the lens, fifteen widows step out of the darkness, learn to go it alone. By themselves. No arm to take. No pillow to share.

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer contracted by people who worked with asbestos. In Australia, many men who mined the grey dust or worked during the 50s and 60s in the holds of ships, or in the cladding of buildings have died of the disease over the last decade.

"Breathe" is a collection of the photographs of Christopher Ireland that is currently on exhibition in the foyer of the NSW State Parliament in Macquarie Street.

24 comments:

Icy BC said...

Wonderful reflections!

brattcat said...

Julie, these are so well done with such unvarnished commentary that I am moved to tears.

Bill S. said...

When man creates death of a generation on men, it leaves the women in heart-wrenching situations. Beautiful post and pictures of a sad event.

Lowell said...

A poignant and powerful post!

Sally in WA said...

This is the second post I've read today that brought back reminders of my dad. He passed away from lung cancer many years ago and I think it was due to asbestos exposure. This is a wonderful exhibit and great reflections.

Joan Elizabeth said...

When we stumble and do something that harms is a sad thing but to allow it to continue once the link is known is an outrage.

Ann said...

I wonder if they are still there? Must pop down and have a look. I often stumble on some terrific exhibitions at PH when I go to the post office.

I've got about 2 weeks of lights then will go into the Christmas shots I've been collecting (with the p&s so quality variable) but didn't have enough to run them all the way to Christmas so needed the lights. Made a bit of a hash of some of the lights - I had the damn remote with me - why didn't I use it? A lot of them are slightly out of focus. Look forward to seeing yours.

Unknown said...

Wonderful photo & reflecton.
Have a nice day.

Marie-Noyale said...

After reading your comment even the simple title looks painful...
This seems to be a beautiful exhibit!

Anonymous said...

Guess it feels unbelievable to be forced to breathe both inside and while stepping through the door leading out.
And yes, I assume that we do have many things to be grateful of, provided by the hard work of people back then.
A wonderful start into the new week for you.

Inday said...

What a wonderful tribute to stir awareness in us that people out there have suffered in the name of progress and prosperity for someone else!

I am touched by this post. Death caused by a suffocated breathe.

Three Rivers, Michigan said...

'Breathe' - oh that must have been a hard thing for him to photograph. So much emotion. Your photos of the photos and their reflections are beautiful.
Three Rivers Daily Photo

Marka said...

My one grandfather passed away due to mesothelioma. Thanks for sharing this.

Olivier said...

un sujet grave, une bonne idée d'expositions...Cela peut faire réagir les gens.

Julie said...

"a serious subject, a good idea to highlight … That can make people react."

Thank you, Olivier.

VP said...

A sad old story recently come to light. Sad and very moving portraits, an effective reminder.

sydney harbour events said...

Really a great theme to highlight. I like the reflections in it.

Great work Julie!!

Jean said...

like the reflection

A smile from SJ =)

maryt/theteach said...

incredible reflections, Julie!

Anonymous said...

Good reflections Julie,
You have an accurate vision of what is happening and how to place the things in each photo.
Bye.
Serge

Julie said...

Thank you Friends. Your comments are appreciated.

It is astounding how many of you it touched in a personal way. I hope it worked to ease your memories.

bitingmidge said...

A brother in law among it's victims. Twenty years on I can still hear his six year old crying "it's not fair" as she pressed a flower from the garden into his lifeless hand.

We can't hear a child use that expression without reminding ourselves of what is and isn't "fair".

PJ said...

So very sad a tribute, still it's quite lovely in that setting. I'm a little teary too.

Gunn said...

Sad,- BUT also very artistic and your photo is very nice.