Mundubbera Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) presents: “Sacrifice” a photographic exhibition by William Debois, from 13 May to 1 July 2023.
William Debois is a French / Australian photographer currently based in Gladstone, Queensland since 2013. His photographic career spans over 25 years already and 4 different countries.
The exhibition of 35 portrait photography and oral histories presents individuals and highlights contemporary social issues through the personal and often powerful stories of universal notions of generosity, hardship, community, commitment, privilege and inequality.
Since early 2021, William Debois has been photographing strangers met through recommendations or by chance. In this creative and personal process, the sitter is photographed on film, in front of a backdrop custom-made for the project, and is asked to share their reflections on the two questions:
WHAT DOES SACRIFICE MEAN TO YOU?
WHAT SACRIFICE HAVE YOU MADE?
“Sacrifice” reflects the universal notion of sacrifice, be it big or small, life-affirming or limiting, tragic or slightly trivial.
To sacrifice is to give up or surrender, which is a daily practice of living with love at your core. It’s not simply time or money we sacrifice, but less tangible comforts or attitudes that others – and often ourselves – aren’t aware of.
Giving up something of ourselves, letting something go, dying to ourselves. And that’s why when we think of the word ‘sacrifice’ we usually think of suffering or pain.
This project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
