Exhibit A-i: The Refugee Account selected to feature at international photo exhibition

13 September 2023

The refugee stories come from Maurice Blackburn's Exhibit A-i: The Refugee Account project, which published 32 statements from women and men who were detained offshore on Nauru and Manus Island.

In partnership with the refugees, the project team used AI technology to create images from their witness statements, producing the first ever visual account of life in Australia's offshore detention facilities.

A selection of the Exhibit A-i images will be exhibited as part of the PhotoVogue Festival, which this week launched its official program.

The PhotoVogue mission is to reach into historically excluded communities and shape a more just, ethical and inclusive visual world.

Now in its eighth year, the theme of this year's PhotoVogue Festival is "What makes us human? Image in the age of A.I." 

Maurice Blackburn special counsel Nicki Lees, from the firm’s social justice practice, will present a talk about Exhibit A-i at the event symposium on November 18.

Ms Lees said it was an honour to share her clients’ stories.

"The witness statements and images in Exhibit A-i show the unimaginable inhumanity experienced by the women, men and children incarcerated over many years.

"We have long been in awe of our clients' courage in wanting to share their experiences and ensure there is a permanent record of this dark chapter of Australian history.

"Our clients have told us how important it is for their stories to be heard. We are pleased the selection of Exhibit A-i as part of the PhotoVogue Festival program will help our clients' stories to reach new audiences.

"The festival's exploration of AI in imagery is a timely one. For our Exhibit A-i project, the AI-generated images added a compelling new dimension to our clients' stories. 

“The written word speaks volumes, but we know that pictures are a powerful force for change." 

The PhotoVogue Festival will run from November 16-19 at the BASE Milano cultural centre in Milan.

Media enquiries: Chee Chee Leung on 0412 560 584 or cleung@mauriceblackburn.com.au