'People who look dead but probably aren't'

Photographic collection by Patrick Pound, a New Zealand-Australian photographer. Taken at the NGV Ian Potter Gallery, Federation Square, Melbourne. This is a collection of found photographs showing the unconscious or sleeping bodies of people and expressing ambiguity of photographs displayed without context. Each of the photos was probably taken without the person's knowledge so without context there is no sense of what was happening or why the photograph was taken.

For me, it brought to mind all the photos I have in the family photo boxes, especially the ones where I have no clue about the person, what was happening or why.

Late post today as family from Wales visiting.

Tag:

[Ann H. LeFevre]

Quirky and thought-provoking subject! I like how you've included this couple in the photo. It all ties together so nicely!

[Diana]

What a fabulous find and shot, good that you explained what it was. Lovely light on the couple looking at them. Enjoy your visiting family :-)

[Bec]

What an unusual subject matter - so interesting what’s out there…cool capture too.

[Carole G]

Very cool!

[Rob Z]

It looks interesting even from this distance. It must be interesting to see them up close.

[Brian]

Fascinating. Awesome image

[Jennifer Eurell]

That popped up on my Facebook the other day - I wondered what it was all about.

[Susan Wakely]

An interesting exhibition I am sure.

[Joan Robillard]

Intresting

[borof]

Great shot and the excellent explanation adds a lot.

[haskar]

An interesting topic, although controversial. Do we have the right to show such photos? I wouldn't do that.

[Corinne C]

Such an interesting subject and the way the photos are presented is very appealing. A wonderful image and great narrative.

[Rick Aubin]

Love the contrast and the composition.

[Korcsog Károly]

I love this photo!

[Suzanne]

Thankyou Ann
@olivetreeann

[Suzanne]

Many thanks Diana. Lovely having family visit!
@ludwigsdiana

[Suzanne]

Yes it is interesting and intriguing
@walksnaplove

[Suzanne]

It's fascinating.
@jeneurell

[Suzanne]

Many thanks for all your thoughtful comments.
@wakelys @joansmor @borof @corinnec @rickaubin @kork

[Suzanne]

The question of whether we have the right to show the photos is an interesting one. These particular photos are all 'found' ie they have been found in Opshops and other places where they have ended up because apparently noone wants them. So, in that sense, they are all public. And we don't know who any of the people are. This exhibitor has put them all together into an installation that reflects on what we take photos for and who gets to see them.
I found all the questions that arise from it intriguing, especially as many of the questions relate to what we all do here on this site every day. @haskar

[Skip Tribby - ​🖖]

Interesting theme although a little creepy.

[Cathy 💫]

Very interesting!! A great photo.

[Delwyn Barnett]

Quite the exhibition. One photo on its own would be nothing. All together and displayed like this makes a real statement. I like how you have portrayed this including the couple viewing the art work.

[Suzanne]

Good morning and thanks for your comments.
@skipt07 @kitkat365

[Suzanne]

Good morning. The people viewing the photos were having a similar discussion to here, wondering about it being a bit morbid, a bit confronting and about the ethics of it. @dkbarnett