Henry Coad
Killara High School
SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION
Photomedia
Digital colour photographic print
In today’s interconnected world, individuals from all corners of the globe form vibrant local communities. Immigration, social media and the ease of travel foster a variety of familial and communal bonds. My body of work investigates the rich tapestry of diversity and the often-invisible threads of connection that bind us. Each of the individuals in my work represents a blend of history and culture. Subjects trace roots back to Hong Kong, South Africa, Europe and First Nations of South Australia. I invite the audience to consider who fills the chair beside them and the unseen interconnectedness in their own lives.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Tyler Shields; Terry O’Neill, Faye Dunaway
Marker's Commentary
This photographic body of work presents a sophisticated and conceptually rich investigation into global identity, history and the unseen threads of human connection. Through six carefully composed portraits of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, we are offered a thoughtful meditation on the invisible yet powerful sense of interconnectedness that exists within our own communities. Each subject sits on a chair on the right side of the setting, gazing back at the viewer while an empty chair occupies the left. This clever compositional device acts as a symbolic space which invites reflection on who sits beside us in our own lives and prompts the contemplation of shared histories, cultural presence and the invisible narratives that bind people together.
Technically, the series demonstrates a high level of photographic mastery. There is a sustained visual language throughout which is marked by a strong sense of composition, symmetry and the intentional use of both natural and artificial lighting to enhance the mood and setting. The square format of the compositions acknowledges photographic traditions within portraiture. Each environment has been thoughtfully chosen and staged to reflect the unique context of each sitter, offering a nuanced insight into their personal world. The recurring motif of the empty chair establishes a conceptual and visual cohesion which strengthens the overall impact of the series.