In Sons of Beaches, West Australian photographer, Seng Mah, re-imagines the icon of the Australian surf-lifesaver beyond its traditional associations with masculinity and mateship. This exhibition asks whether the values and attitudes often attached to this prevailing icon are still relevant today, or if the traditions of surf life saving have evolved with the way we culturally identify ourselves as Australians. The pictures reveal stories of individual surf lifesavers: stories that can be poignant, dramatic, quirky and even erotic. The images re-purpose the icon for consumption by a 21st century multi-cultural, multi-faceted audience, and engage currently evolving attitudes about men, masculinity and about being Australian. Sons of Beaches is a FotoFreo Perth 2008 exhibition.
Sons of Beaches will run from March 30 to April 15 as part of the the FotoFreo Festival. It will also coincide with Aussies 2008, the national surf life-saving championships, which will take place at Scarborough Beach in Perth.
