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.<\/p>\n
Before a packed audience, Jill Parris, the author of Man Man: Making meaning on Manus talked about why she was drawn to Man\u2019s photos.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey captured the liquid nature of the water; they made you feel the sunsets,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey showed the beauty against the ugliness. They were like magic.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jill and Man started swapping images and talking about pictures, and over four and half years, a deeper friendship developed.<\/p>\n
Jill discussed Man\u2019s resilience and his endeavours to concentrate on the positives, drawing on his creativity, generosity and own morality to find meaning in his life.<\/p>\n
Through the lens of their emerging friendship, the book is a stunning photographic and written record of Man\u2019s time on Manus Island. It shows a rare insight into life there and how one man navigated his way through this time.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Man\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
It is also now exhibited in the australian Immigration Museum and the National Museum.<\/p>\n
Great Escape Books\u2019 Nicole Maher said it was a privilege to be able to personally support the launch.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Man is now re-settled in atlanta, in the USA.<\/p>\n
The book is available from Great Escape Books, with all profits supporting Man in his new life and refugees still on Manus Island.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n