William Debois
23 MAR 2024 - 3 MAY 2024
WHAT DOES SACRIFICE MEAN TO YOU?
WHAT SACRIFICE HAVE YOU MADE?
These two questions unite the exhibition SACRIFICE by Gladstone-based artist William Debois. An interweaving of oral histories and portrait photography, this exhibition is the result of a multiyear project of collective storytelling with Debois as its facilitator. Debois’ creative approach brings forward intimate stories of the human experience with unguarded sincerity.
All people encounter sacrifice in some form, whether it is a life-defining decision or the seemingly inconsequential compromises of everyday relationships. These experiences are the fabric of our shared existence. The uniting theme of sacrifice highlights the diversity of human experience and draws attention to universal notions of generosity, hardship, community, commitment, privilege and inequality.
SACRIFICE has been a growing archive since 2021, when Debois saw the opportunity for storytelling amidst the Covid 19 pandemic. Since then, it has spanned multiple states while remaining visually united by Debois’ use of a medium format film camera and custom made military tarpaulin backdrop. SACRIFICE includes results from collaborations with Banana Shire and Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire residents, that took place during Debois’ artistic residency in February 2024.
