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My Son’s Skin is NOT a Weapon

Head On Photo Festival 2024
Milly Hooper
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Milly Hooper
This event has concluded
Dates: -
Location: Paddington Reservoir Gardens, 251-255 Oxford st, Paddington
Hours:
Entry Fee: Free
Genres: Portrait

As my son approaches his 18th birthday, I find myself grappling with a mix of pride and fear. I want him to embrace his adulthood with confidence and joy, yet I can’t shake the concern that his identity as a Blak young man might affect how he’s perceived and treated. Each conversation about the world and his place in it carries a weight – one that I wish didn’t exist.

In my work, I channel these genuine fears into something tangible, reflecting on how one misstep could have lasting consequences, not just for him, but for our family. The reality is that, despite society’s promises of equality, the statistics in areas like health, education, and justice tell a different story. As Aboriginal people, we’re often told how we should behave to fit in, but these conversations are a stark reminder of the disparities that persist.

Through all this, my hope is to equip my son with the wisdom to navigate a world that doesn’t always see him as equal, while also encouraging him to strive for his dreams and live his life fully.

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Milly Hooper

Milly Hooper is a Proud Ngiyampaa, Murrawarri, Kooma woman who thrives to capture the beauty and connection in all its forms and showcase the power of visual storytelling. As an emerging Aboriginal Photographer, Milly started her creative journey as a self-taught photographer back in 2016 exploring Aboriginal Identity, Culture and Connection whilst learning her craft living on Arrernte Country in the Northern Territory. Her sole aim is to ‘challenge Them stereotypes’ about her mob. She continues to develop her craft while always smiling behind her camera.

Milly is a member of Blaklens, as well as a contributor in a joint Photography exhibition titled First Sight at Head On Photo Festival 2021.

This event has concluded
Dates: -
Location: Paddington Reservoir Gardens, 251-255 Oxford st, Paddington
Hours:
Entry Fee: Free
Genres: Portrait
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Max Mason-Hubers

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Submit your photo series to be considered for solo or group exhibitions in Head On Photo Festival 2025. Submissions close 11:59pm Sunday 23 March Sydney time (GMT+11)

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Andrea Agostini