On the Fabric of the Ngarrindjeri Body – Volume II

In this series of studio photographs (made in collaboration with photographer Richard Lyons) Damien Shen simultaneously explores a documentation of his Aboriginal identity and the objectification of his culture through ‘vintage-style’ studio portraits. 

After talking about past times with Ngarrindjeri Elder, Uncle Moogy (Major Sumner), the artists photographed a series of candid images within the staging of a professional studio. These works aim to bring focus to the idea of the ‘Cultural Hero’ and the continued fight to keep First Nations culture alive. 

This was the first time that Shen had been ‘painted up’ in the Ngarrindjeri way. He said of the experience:

“What we captured was incredibly special. Not only [was] it a special moment in time for myself, it captures a Ngarrindjeri cultural icon of South Australia, Major Sumner, as he shares his time and knowledge with me. I felt empowered through this process of learning and spending time with my Elder.”