A young photographer is hoping to turn strangers into stories, embarking on a project called Humans of Brimbank.
Hillside psychology student Mehak Sheikh is hoping to get a glimpse into the lives of Brimbank residents from all walks of life.
“The idea began when I started at uni and got some strange looks when I said I was from the west,” the 18-year-old said.
“I want to challenge that perception. There’s amazing people here and I want people to see that. We’re so culturally diverse and those differences should be celebrated.”
For the past few months, Mehak has been collecting quotes and short stories from people she’s met, and she’s added photographs to the snippets.
“I’m hoping to launch it on Facebook, starting with the ones I already have,” the Melbourne University student says.
“My favourite so far was a Chin [Myanmar] boy and girl in their traditional costumes. They looked so proud to be photographed, and that’s what I love seeing. I’ve also spoken to three elderly men in St Albans. One was here visiting his son and told me about his experience during the partition of India and Pakistan.”
Mehak says her psychology background drew her to the project.
“I love to see how people interact, why they do what they do and what drives them,” she said.
“I met a Mauritian lady and her baby outside Sunshine library the other day, and we talked about her son, her plans and hopes for his future. That’s what I’m after.”
Mehak hopes to hold a street exhibition for the project in coming months. “These exhibitions will introduce viewers to other community members, without actually meeting them.”
Contact Mehak at ow.ly/JWWL0
