Cousins, Ralph and Jim Postcard

Mervyn Bishop’s love of photography began in high school when he took pictures of his family. He later held a photography cadetship with The Sydney Morning Herald and became a well-known newspaper and documentary photographer. In his work for the press, as well as for the Australian Department of Aboriginal Affairs, he was able to present the issues of the day from an Aboriginal perspective. 

This photograph is intimate and personal, taken when Bishop took the day off work and was joined unexpectedly by his young cousins for a fishing trip. The joyous freedom and spontaneous nature of the moment is captured in this photograph. The boys’ unrestrained laughter shows the happy connection between Bishop and his family.

12.8 x 16.7cm   

Mervyn Bishop
Murri people
Cousins, Ralph and Jim 1966, printed 2012
digital archive on fibre based print
National Gallery of Australia, purchased 2012
© Mervyn Bishop, courtesy of Josef Lebovic Gallery, Sydney