In tribute to ANZAC Day on Sunday, April 25, Central Coast photographer, Lisa Haymes, will exhibit some of her poignant images at a special show called 2020: When Our Veterans Stood Silently Alone in Remembrance.
In 2020, ANZAC Day Memorial events were cancelled due to stage 3 COVID-19 lockdown and Haymes was commissioned by Central Coast Council to shoot a portrait of one of the local ANZAC veterans at dawn on April 25 in the comfort of their own home adhering to strict social distancing rules.
“It came to mind that there were many more veterans isolated at home, so with the help of Leasha Craig, over the course of the year we photographed more of the Central Coast veterans through their windows or door frames,” Haymes said.
“When I photograph people, sometimes they shy away from the camera, however, in this instance, the veterans stood tall and proud.
“In the early dawn, it was silent, still and reflective.
“It was a privilege.”
Haymes said that shot, simply, with one 50ml lens and lit with only an iPhone torch, the exhibition gives a personalised face to our local veterans and their stories, honouring their courage and bravery.
ANZAC Day Portraits 2020 is the first solo exhibition for Haymes, who has lived on the Coast for 17 years.
The photographer is a graduate of the National Art School, and in the 17 years that Haymes has lived on the Coast, she has worked creatively with the local arts community and commercial clients.
A finalist in the Gosford Art Prize, Haymes works regularly with: the National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association; Central Coast Council; Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council; Coastal Twist Festival; and, Naughty Noodle Fun Haus, featuring in their Shop Front Photographic Exhibition: The Best of Coastal Twist 2019.
Haymes’ ANZAC Day exhibition will be at The Art House in Wyong until Friday, May 7, excluding Sundays.
“We are very honoured to be hosting this exhibition which commemorates the Central Coast war veterans in a uniquely personal way,” said Executive Director of The Art House, Anne-Marie Heath.
“Lisa’s exhibit encompasses the professional, creative and community values of The Art House and I’m thrilled to have these profoundly moving images in our foyer over ANZAC Day 2021, reflecting not only the challenges of war, but also the challenges for the community during the global COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.
Source:
Media release, Apr 17
Lisa Haymes