Australia's big days

A selection of portraits exploring Australians’ relationship with our public holidays. These include the three biggies: the King’s (or Queen’s) birthday, ANZAC Day and Australia Day (for now, all named as they appear on the calendar). As part of their portraits, the sitters offer handwritten messages reflecting their thoughts on the day. Beginning in the 1990s, I resurfaced the series a generation later to provide a historical bridge between old and new perspectives.

The portraits were shot in public at gatherings commemorating the day. Passers-by took the opportunity to be part of a study of national identity and, lately, to do so in an old school, analogue way, distinct from the contemporary experience of social media.

Not unexpectedly, Australians’ attitudes vary. Despite how contentious these days can be, I’m struck by how many people are thoughtful and conciliatory. A lot want to have some fun, trying out jokes and sarcasm. In that Aussie way, coarse vulgarity is not uncommon. Funnily enough, people who say they don’t care nonetheless offer an opinion.

Even as debates on issues of national identity ebb and flow, the desire to be part of the project demonstrates that people continue to think about these issues, and all the more on these days of national significance. In giving everyday Australians a voice, these portraits reveal something about how Australia sees itself.