National Photographic Portrait Prize 2022 Art Handlers' Award
I first saw 'Cordy' (which means 'Spirit of the Sunrise' in the traditional language of the Tjungundji people of far North Queensland) when he walked past me on my first day in Charters Towers. I was immediately mesmerised by his presence. Months later I had the chance to meet with him. He shared his story and told me of a visit to India for an archaeology conference where the locals greeted him as a holy man. I hadn't seen clouds in the sky for weeks but while taking his portrait they rolled in behind him as if on cue.
Courtesy of the artist