Through the Heart is a photographic exhibition by photojournalist Jacklyn Wagner that captures the human stories behind the 2022 flood disaster. It will be at Lismore Regional Gallery later this month.
The 100 portraits have been hanging on the walls of NSW Parliament House.
Each photograph comes with a personal quote from the photo subject.
In the weeks after the floods, Ms Wagner spent her days knocking on doors and listening to stories
“Realising the enormity of the 2022 Lismore flooding, between three and sixteen weeks post-flood, I started documenting affected Lismore homeowners. I knew it was important,” she said.
“I drove to South Lismore, and at the first stop I made, there was a woman sitting in a car parked outside her flood-affected home.
“Following a conversation, she took me into her unliveable, flood-devastated home. Her family had lost everything, including their dogs.”
Through the Heart is testament to Ms Wagner’s ability to document trauma with compassion and authenticity.
“As I washed the mud off my precious things it was quite cathartic. I managed to save some beautiful things that bring me joy.”
Photo: Jacklyn Wagner
Ms Wagner began her career in 1982. She was the first solo photographer for the Lismore Echo (1991) and the first female photographer at the Northern Star (1994). Her accolades include the National Photographic Hammond Care Group’s Images of Our Elders (1997) and the Australian Provincial Newspapers Photographer of the Year (2000).
See the portraits at Lismore Regional Gallery June 27 – August 10. Entry is free.
OPENING CELEBRATION
Friday, June 27 at 6pm – 8pm.
All welcome
Lismore Regional Gallery
11 Rural Street, Lismore
This information was provided by Arts Northern Rivers.