Artists WA – showcasing West Australian artists

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 part of the FotoFreo 2008 International Festival of Photography.