Barbora Tomikova

Barbora Tomikova is a Slovak-Australian photographer whose work is deeply connected with people’s stories, environment and social documentary. She investigates complex human experience, trauma and resilience. Since immigrating to Australia, she developed a fascination with its unique natural phenomena like bushfires and drought.When I immigrated to Australia, my nephew was fifteen—the same age I was when he was born. Our lives have unfolded in parallel yet apart. I see him briefly every few years, acutely aware of the distance and moments missed as he grows into adulthood. On my last visit, he surprisingly agreed to a photoshoot. In that 1-hour long encounter, he revealed more of himself than ever before. Through these portraits, I see a young man negotiating the uncertainties of identity, sexuality and belonging. The images hold both his vulnerability and resilience; a rare and intimate glimpse into his life suspended between familiarity and estrangement."