A Vanishing Culture…
Living in an extremely remote area of the Omo Valley, the Suri tribe’s day-to-day lives are almost the same as they have been for thousands of years.
But the world is changing, and the relentless march of progress and technology are finding their way into even this quiet, pastoral culture.
The People.
I travelled to the Omo Valley in September 2019 with my brilliant photographer mother to meet a family she had become close friends with on previous trips. Culturally the Suri are an exceptionally creative people, and express their deep relationship with nature and the earth by adorning themselves with intricate clay face painting, fresh flowers and beading.
We had the privilege of camping on Suri tribal land, and spent every night around a campfire talking with different members of the tribe. I heard stories of their history and culture, of their traditions and beliefs. I heard their worries about the future, and their desire to protect and preserve their way of life in a rapidly changing world. I made connections and friendships that felt important and deep, despite the relatively short time we spent together.
The Paintings.
In painting these portraits, I reflected on those conversations and shared moments constantly. With every brush stroke, I felt the emotion of hearing their worries and grief, their passions and hopes.
The looks in their eyes followed me all the way back to Australia, and I have worked hard to express not just the external likeness but also some of the inner depth of the individuals.
I have kept in touch with a few of the older tribe members who have left their homes to attend University. They are hardworking and diligent, knowing that education is vitally important for their futures.
My goal in selling these works is to give back and support this tribe. A portion of all sales will go toward directly contributing to University and accommodation fees of the older tribe members.
The Future.
Ultimately, these works are about hope and strength. These children and young adults have on their shoulders the burden of their culture and heritage, isolation and the hostility from local governments who want their land and resources. But they carry that burden with strength, pride and intelligence, striving for education and access to technology, not to escape their homes, but to uplift and protect them.
This series of portraits aims to show these young people at this very unique moment in time. Connected to and expressing their culture, their heritage and their traditions, even while their lands, homes and livelihoods are eroded by outside forces every day.
The shape and future of the Suri tribe rests solely in these young people.
It is in their eyes, in their hearts, in their hands.
