9/11 boy 1

9/11 boy 2

I was born on September 11 and I live in Australia. I celebrated my birthday with friends and was still awake and watching the late night news. Already shocked I sat there as the commentators were speculating that it was just a hideous accident. Then I watched in horror as the second jet hit the second tower.

Like many other Australians especially those with relatives or friends in New York I stayed in front of the television for the rest of the night frozen by dread and disbelief about what was occurring.

I have made these works with this event in my mind as if it happened just yesterday. The reading of these images can be as literal or as abstract as the viewer desires. These are anonymous, composites faces, they are not particular individuals and as such are not portraits of direct or indirect victims. However by association they will inevitably symbolize and invoke a strong feeling for a viewer. If they are a reminder of the anguish and pain of countless people then I am satisfied.

My birthday can never be the same again. This year I will again be transfixed by the images on the television, reliving, mourning and remembering in my small way the events of September 11.