Jonathan May: Desert Ink

Overview

Head On Photo Festival is on throughout May, with Sydney galleries showcasing the freshest photography from across the globe. A fine example comes from recurring festival prize finalist Jonathan May, who is presenting Desert Ink, a striking new series of black and white portraits, at Gaffa Gallery.

While travelling around Indio, California, May began documenting the lives of eight Mexican tattoo artists and reformed criminals. In between drug-dealing and jail time, these men became passionate about cultivating their craft. May’s dramatic smoke-filled images reveal both former lives and new identities. As the men leave behind gang rivalries and shoot-outs, there is a law-abiding solidarity that mingles with their sinister appearances. Wearing their personal stories on their sleeves (or skin), these inked-up desert-dwellers make for interesting viewing.

Come along for opening night on Thursday 30 April, 6pm.