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Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
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National Photographic Portrait Prize 2009 Finalist
The portrait of Antonio Tisano is part of a project called 'Italians in Australia; looking back'. With these portraits I document Italians who came to Australia in the 50's and 60's. People who have worked hard and who often had difficulty dealing with a new language and culture. Through the portraits the sitters speak of themselves and their past without the need of words. The subjects look back at their past and at the viewer with strength. Antonio Tisano arrived in Australia in 1960 from Calabria with his wife and children. What he went through due to family difficulties I have got no words to describe. Just like his general attitude in life, in the portrait he looks at us without seeking pity or even understanding; nevertheless his pain stares out. When the portrait was taken it was raining.
In its second year at the National Portrait Gallery, and for the first time touring to other venues, the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2009 continues to present surprising perspectives on the nature of contemporary portrait photography.
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