Refugee finds beauty against ugliness

WHAT started as the sharing of photos on Facebook between a refugee detained on Manus Island and a Fairhaven resident culminated in a book launched last Friday night at Great Escape Books in aireys Inlet.

Before a packed audience, Jill Parris, the author of Man Man: Making meaning on Manus talked about why she was drawn to Man’s photos.

“They captured the liquid nature of the water; they made you feel the sunsets,” she said.

“They showed the beauty against the ugliness. They were like magic.”

Jill and Man started swapping images and talking about pictures, and over four and half years, a deeper friendship developed.

Jill discussed Man’s resilience and his endeavours to concentrate on the positives, drawing on his creativity, generosity and own morality to find meaning in his life.

Through the lens of their emerging friendship, the book is a stunning photographic and written record of Man’s time on Manus Island. It shows a rare insight into life there and how one man navigated his way through this time.

While on Manus, Man took up crocheting as an affirming and creative way to not only deal with the trauma but to also express love and joy in the world.

Man’s gift for colour and texture found expression in shawls, rugs, scarves, hats and beanies. Some of his work is portrayed in the book and was on display at the launch.

It is also now exhibited in the australian Immigration Museum and the National Museum.

Great Escape Books’ Nicole Maher said it was a privilege to be able to personally support the launch.

“It is a cause very close to my heart, and I feel very strongly about the plight of people who find themselves in the unfortunate position of being marginalised by government,” she said.

Man is now re-settled in atlanta, in the USA.

The book is available from Great Escape Books, with all profits supporting Man in his new life and refugees still on Manus Island.