Waiting. Julia Charles explores the life between the new life.
'Waiting’ is a series by photographer Julia Charles exploring the difficult situation faced by an asylum seeker here in Australia. Working with a young man ‘Amir’ from Afghanistan who is waiting to be processed, they build a picture of what it is like to live a life in limbo, unable to work or study.
Living on less that Newstart allowance he cannot afford a Lawyer. His case worker advises on housing, medical and psychological services. He has had no legal advice. He has a strong claim for refugee status but a 1 hr interview in the Detention Centre isn’t sufficient to establish this.
‘Amir’s’ life is filled with rich memories. At only 22 he was a University educated, well known in the arts as a Theatre and Film Director in Kabul. His commitment to challenging violence towards women and to changing the inequitable role of women in Afghanistan has made his return impossible. His work was supported by UN Women, GTZ and an American Organisation. His life was threatened due to his work and he had no option but to leave his homeland. Despite this situation, his intention to empower women and work toward change is unwavering.
Due to the nature of his work, ‘Amir’ was targeted by religious extremists and thugs. He was physically attacked, his shoulder slashed. There was a failed attempted kidnap, threats of rape which they said they would broadcast on social media, raids on places where he was living, and threats on the lives of those close to him. As a result he fled to save himself and to save his family. His girlfriend who also worked in his theatre group fled and is now safe with her sisters in Europe, a world away. Longing to be reunited, they hope to marry one day.
He made the treacherous journey by sea from Indonesia. His boat sank in the middle of the night. He almost drowned when his hand was caught in the sinking timber. He tore it away and struggled to the surface. There were 98 people on this rickety fishing boat. Nine people died. He still hears their frightened, desperate voices sometimes.
He was taken to Christmas Island, then Darwin, Brisbane and he now lives in Sydney with a few other young Afghan men in a similar situation.
He was the last person rescued after two hours in the dark expanse, surrounded by 15 meter waves and no stars, willing himself to hold on for the sake of his mother and his girlfriend. Facing almost certain death, he said on that night he was ‘born again’, the ‘Son of the Ocean’.
Julia Charles is a Sydney based photographer. She usually photographs people and places. This series was born out of a desire to humanize the story of those seeking asylum. Originally from Melbourne, she has been working in art and design for over 25 years. She currently teaches at the UNSW Art & Design. In 2013 Julia was awarded 5 Bronze and in 2014 one Bronze in International Loupe Awards and in 2012 she was a Semi-Finalist with 2 Images in the Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize.
