Research Interview for Assignment Submission
Kylie Murphy and her photo series - Mooroopna
I sat down with Kylie Murphy and talked about her photo series Mooroopna. Her passion for her hometown and community has only grown since the idea first came to her, and it is evident in the expansion, depth and exploration reflected in her folio. This series is a tribute to photography's power of freezing time and Kylie Murphy's choice to use this power to immortalise the stories, people and places that would otherwise be quietly lost.
See her work here - https://kylz225fdd.myportfolio.com/
Lucky: What is this photo project about?
Kylie: The series is about capturing changing landscapes and interviewing people about their memories connected to those landscapes.
Lucky: What was the original idea?
Kylie: My original idea was to go to my hometown Mooroopna and take photos of the landscapes that have been changing…Some are no longer standing. Some are standing, but barely. And those [people] that are still trying to preserve what's left. But then it [ the photo series] changed into me interviewing people about their memories. So I was able to connect the landscapes with the people.
So [now] it's more about, you know, the memories. They have the power to transport us back to a different places and times. And then the community, has a connection and a sense of belonging. And to learn about the history of the town and find locations that are overlooked.
Lucky: Why did you choose to do this project?
Kylie: Well, I grew up in Mooroopna, and I already have a special connection to that town. So drawing on my own emotional attachment and my experiences, I was curious and wanted to learn more about the history. I came to realize that there are stories to be told by those that have seen it changed over the years, and I kind of want other people to reflect on their own lives and see the impact of the communities that they grew up in and how things have changed.
Lucky: Has your relationship with the project changed since you started?
Kylie: Yes, one hundred percent. I am more determined to be a voice for Mooroopna. Mooroopna was the one [town] that founded Shepperton. Everything started in Mooroopna…
Lucky: How many trips have you taken to Mooroopna for this project?
Kylie: Around 12 trips. I stay with my parents, which is handy. And then I'll get my uncles and aunties all around there as well.
Lucky: Have you encountered any surprises during your project?
Kylie: Well, I didn’t know that the Mooroopna name meant “deep water hole” [in aboriginal language]. Another surprise was I found out there was a historical museum. Unfortunately, at the moment it’s closed because they don’t have the volunteers. Because that generation that used to volunteer is slowly passing away. There's still dedicated volunteers like Barry, who I interviewed that, you know, he's still he still has a passion for keeping it alive.
Lucky: Do you see yourself continuing this project or expanding?
Kylie: I would have liked to collaborate with someone from the Aboriginal community as well. There's still so much more to expand on. Like, this is the whole sporting side [to the town].
I really want to do something abstract with the river. Something with reflections. Water. (…) I was very drawn to the water, but unfortunately it did not fit in with my series at the moment. Yeah, but there is definitely potential there. Like there is something about reflections, the river, the bends, the meaning of the town name.