Jon Lewis - Retratu Timor Lorosae
Photographs from East Timor 2000-2001

When he made photographs of East Timorese refugees in Darwin in the 1980's Jon Lewis never thought the country would win independence. Retratu Timor Lorosae Lewis' latest photographic exhibition comprises images of the peoples of East Timor taken over the last two years.

Throughout their incredible journey to victory the East Timorese people have demonstrated a profound courage. Lewis' images answer the question "who are the East Timorese?" giving us an insight into the spirit of a people hidden from the world for 24 years. The works poetically reveal the strength of the East Timorese people under extreme conditions as they continue with their everyday life - getting married, collecting water, children playing.

Jon Lewis is an Australian photographer of great talent and humanity. His black and white images are full of respect and affection for his subjects. He is best known for his images of people on Bondi Beach and other portraits, however last year he had a successful exhibition of landscapes at Coventry Gallery in Paddington. He has had many solo exhibitions both in Australia and France and has worked as a photography teacher both in Australia and overseas. His work is held in public and private collections throughout the world including the Art Gallery of NSW, Australian National Gallery, New Museum of Australia, Biblioteque Nationale France and Polaroid Collection Germany.