Manus

[loose cannon]

My interpretation of events on Manus Island.

The face, the darkness, the wire, the chain and only a thin ray of light to illuminate it all.

I've walked past this mask many times, it's in a friend's garden and I've always wanted to photograph it but was put off by the chicken wire and dark location so hadn't bothered. But the other day it suddenly grabbed my eye in a very different and powerful way.

Please don't see this as a political thread, just an artistic expression of something that disturbs me. Not sure if I have the processing exactly as I'd like it but it's pretty close I think.

[Alan]

Strong image Mick. Like it. Good use of light and shadows on the face and the down cast eye speaks volumes

Not sure about the post on the left though - it could be an arm, which adds to the effect, but as the brightest part of the image, it takes my attention away from the face. Maye a subtle burn?

Maybe it's just me

[sejac]

Very moving image backed up by powerful words. Mick, don't apologise for the political nature of this post, 'cause it is political. And politics is one of the most powerful forces acting on us all, affecting our lives for better or for worse. Why run away from it?

Our present refugee policy disturbs me as well, very deeply. Sadly, both sides of politics have a lot to answer for, but the present government's implementation of it seems particularly cruel. It is perhaps a sign of their lack of any real intellectual capacity that this is the best solution they can think of.

I'm thankful that this policy was not around when my parents were escaping as refugees from war torn Europe (Latvia) after WW2.

Better Run folks!

[loose cannon]

Strong image Mick. Like it. Good use of light and shadows on the face and the down cast eye speaks volumes

Not sure about the post on the left though - it could be an arm, which adds to the effect, but as the brightest part of the image, it takes my attention away from the face. Maye a subtle burn?

Maybe it's just me

Thanks Alan for the feedback. I agree with your comments about the brightness of the post. I have already toned it down but it may need to come down another notch or three.

Very moving image backed up by powerful words. Mick, don't apologise for the political nature of this post, 'cause it is political. And politics is one of the most powerful forces acting on us all, affecting our lives for better or for worse. Why run away from it?

Our present refugee policy disturbs me as well, very deeply. Sadly, both sides of politics have a lot to answer for, but the present government's implementation of it seems particularly cruel. It is perhaps a sign of their lack of any real intellectual capacity that this is the best solution they can think of.

I'm thankful that this policy was not around when my parents were escaping as refugees from war torn Europe (Latvia) after WW2.

Better Run folks!

Refugees tend to be the cream of the crop of the human species and I think this gets lost in all the politico babble talk. The courage it would take to leave one's homeland under great duress and travel to another country with a totally different culture and language is way beyond any level of strength and courage flowing through my veins I'm afraid.

I can't imagine this country without the contribution from the European settlers after WW2, or from the Vietnamese, Cambodian, Thai etc etc.

Sadly we are now in a situation where any attempt by either side of politics to soften the policy will result in screams from the other side of "going soft on border protection".

The politics of fear...works every bloody time.

Glad your parents made the journey Charles.

And thanks for the music link.

[Ozzie_Traveller]

Geez mate - the others above have said it all

Excellent rendition of the subject - a real spooky feel to it

Well done, Phil

[loose cannon]

Thanks Phil.

[P Plates]

Extremely strong image Mick. I took the bright upright to be an arm holding on to the unseen wire above but the face continued to draw and hold my eyes. You have managed to portray so much emotion from what is basically a piece of tin - very well done

[loose cannon]

Thank you Gabby

[seaslug]

I get it.. and agree!