This is Phillip. In 2009, he fled for his life from Sri Lanka after the navy accused him of being associated with an opposition Tamil group. He is a fisherman by trade and earned his money from the fish he caught. The navy began to take all his catch and he was frequently subjected to torture. This made it impossible for Phillip to make money and provide for his family and his condition deteriorated over time.
Fearing for his life, he fled Sri Lanka, leaving his wife and kids behind. He tried to find a safe home in Malaysia but was in prisoned there for over almost a year. Once released, he sought shelter in Indonesia but could not earn a living without residency. Out of desperation, Phillip boarded a boat to Australia and almost died during a treacherous three-day journey where his boat sank.
Phillip is currently listed as a refugee and after ten years in Australia, he is no closer to being able to settle and see his family again. The portrait is an exploration of his lived experience. He is an incredibly generous man and one of the most resilient people I’ve ever met.