I Will Survive

I Will Survive is a new body of work from acclaimed artist Hayley Millar-Baker. Drawing on childhood memories of imparted cautionary tales and instructions for surviving in the bush, Millar-Baker creates works based on stories that have been passed down in the form of warnings, myths, ghost stories and hauntings.

Through meticulous photographic assemblage, the series considers how personal and collective memories change over time in their retelling, and the ways past experiences continue to flow into—and shape—the present. Across these works, Millar-Baker positions herself in relation to a manifold history in order to dissect the ways it haunts us now, and offer up imaginings of our possible futures. Bringing together landscape photography and studio self-portraiture, I Will Survive is a playfully dark and defiant series—an offering of enigmatic narratives that tell us how we can learn through fear, and grow a voice through survival.

Hayley Millar-Baker is the recipient of State Library Victoria’s Photography Fellowship.

Commissioned by Photo Australia for PHOTO 2021

Supported by State Library Victoria and the City of Melbourne Arts Grants Program