Horst Faas’ Camera: Weapon of Mass Deconstruction

Saigon Execution by Eddie Adams

Respected Associated Press (AP) picture editor Horst Faas has passed away, aged 79.

Recognised as a fearless and unwavering war photographer, for more than half a century he influenced generations of photographers and unrelentingly carved new standards for covering war.

Even though I learnt of his name mere moments ago, I am compelled to pay tribute to him because he shaped my life, specifically, my perspective on life.

My father’s library consisted mostly of books on the Vietnam War. From a young age I had access to volumes on social injustices during war, dissertations on poor military strategy and, profoundly, book upon book containing haunting images of that sad war.

The most memorable images are known with the simplest of descriptions: Napalm Girl, Saigon Execution and ‘War is Hell’ Soldier. These photos are famous, renowned, vastly significant; they exist in the public consciousness because of Faas.

Napalm Girl by Nick Ut

Having said that, whilst I thought they were universally known, in year 8 when I showed these images to my class during a presentation, the faces of my fellow early teenage students turned grey and their eyes bulged. They had not seen the photos before.

The impact was palpable; boys who were too cool for school or thrived on machismo gasped, put hand to mouth and looked away. A collective innocence was lost that day – one that I perhaps never had being the child of Vietnamese boat people.

Faas was chief of the AP in Saigon from the early ’60s to his departure in the mid ’70s. He commanded an army of photographers and demanded that they always ‘come back with good pictures’. His work in Vietnam garnered him a Pultizer (his first of two).

Wounded by a rocket-propelled grenade in ’67 he become desk bound but continued to work tirelessly to bring the war into people’s awareness. He mentored Nick Ut who took the photo of the Napalm Girl. He had the guts to push through Eddie Adams’ image of Saigon Execution.

Over 70 journalists lost their lives covering the Vietnam War and Faas almost bled to death in Bu Dop, yet, he survived to build a legacy that has changed the world. Indeed, few people leave this world having made so many marks.

‘War is Hell’ Soldier by Horst Faas

‘War is Hell’ Solider is the Mona Lisa of modern times and is testament to Faas’ ability to arrest our attention instantly. Here is a beautiful young man, his eyes longingly look at us as if he is begging us for love and a chance to escape from the hateful weapon he must wield in his hands.

Faas and his team turned the tide on the Vietnam War. Technological advances in the way images could be captured and transmitted rapidly meant for the first time in history, the world was seeing war as it happened. It made many queasy and I dare say was the catalyst for mass protest against war.

Determination, courage and vision; the next time I raise my Canon I will pause for a moment to pay my respects to this great man. May his army forevermore wield the most powerful weapon in war; the camera – weapon of mass deconstruction.

A Few of my Favourite Things

A wish list of things for my home

I’m setting up a new home and have been gathering images of things I’d like in my place. I prefer a minimalist space and I think these pieces reflect that. Here’s a few of my favourite things:

Pantone S chair
Verner Panton (1960)
The curves in this chair are incredibly sexy. It’s difficult choosing between gloss and matte. There is a a flowing quality in the glossy version that makes you feel as if you’ve capture an ephemeral moment of beauty, and its yours forever.

Melltorp Table
Lisa Norinder for Ikea (c2000)
This is a wonderful no fuss table. While it’s supposed to be a dining table, the 175x75cm version is my preferred studio desk; large, spacious, and cool to the touch. The small gap between the table top and frame also allows you to cable-tie wires and hide all cords from view. Perfect.

Hexagon tiles
No specific designer
I love hexagons. In Islamic art, geometric shapes have meaning and the hexagon is believed to represent heaven. It’s a popular symbol in nature too – bee hives, turtle’s backs, snowflakes, etc. I’d quite like to have my kitchen tiled with black and white hexagon ceramics.

Saigon book cover
To be confirmed, when I recover my copy from Melbourne (1983)
This book cover has fascinated me since childhood when it sat on my father’s bookshelf. Its abstract, propaganda-poster-style image of an ox, with a communistic emblem between its horns, has always made me think it to be a brilliant example of simple, yet very effective visual communication.

Uniform Wares watch
Uniform Wares (c2009)
The only watch I’ve worn in recent years is my grandfather’s. While that remains in Melbourne, this timepiece seems like the ideal thing to drape across my desk within view and earshot. There is something about the quiet metronomic tick-tock of a wristwatch that I find rather enjoyable.

LC-3 sofa
Le Corbusier (1928)
When you combine leather and chrome there is something so simultaneously posh yet common about it, it’s always amusing. This sofa is just a few blocks of leather held together by tubes – nothing in that description would make you think it’s a thing of beauty, and yet it is. 

Componibili storage unit
Anna Castelli Ferrieri (1969)
This would be another red accent in an otherwise very black, white and chocolate coloured space. I remember seeing an orange version of this unit in a film when I was very young and wanting it. It could make a lovely bedside table.

Message in a Bottle

Original shot of Shonibare's Fourth Plinth commission.

I’ve been experimenting with creating lomo-style images in Photoshop.

This photo is of a Fourth Plinth commission. Heroic Lord Nelson, permanently and boldly stands atop the first plinth in Trafalgar Square while the fourth plinth has a rotating roster of commissioned artworks. The 2010 piece was ‘Ship in a Bottle’ by artist Yinka Shonibare.

I first saw Shonibare’s work at the National Gallery of Victoria (the feature work was his interpretation of Reaburn’s Portrait of The Reverend Robert Walker Skating) and always find Shonibare’s art insightful, witty and beautiful.

With this piece, the replica of Nelson’s HMS Victory is adorned with gorgeous African textiles for the sails – I interpret it to be a message about past imperialism, present multiculturalism, and an optimistic future.

This snap of the fourth plinth was taken with my CanonG11. While it is a nice enough tourist pic, I think the lomo effect breaths life into it; the sky is more dynamic, the stone is stronger and the fabrics really stand out and ‘pop’.

Edited image of Shonibare's Fourth Plinth commission.

How Do You Measure A Year? 2012

Last year I wrote my end of year summary in an arctic winter London.

This year, after 18 months on the road, I’m writing from the comfort of my old Melbourne bungalow with sunshine streaming through the open windows with a delightful breeze blowing through the garden. It is magical to once again bask in the golden Aussie sun and a perfect location to reflect on the year that has been.

January
I started the year on a freezing rooftop in Angel listening to Wait Til You See My Smile in memory of Addam Stobbs. I missed the warmth of my friends around me.

February
I met a boy. He was dashing and charming. A favourite memory was when we both fell asleep on a double decker after a long day of exploring London together.

March
For the first time in years, I said ‘I love you’ to a lover. First murmured subconsciously in my sleep, then accidentally over the phone before finally saying it in person.

April
I saw the European continent for the first time, stealing away to glorious Montpellier. My boyfriend and I stayed at a remarkable 400 year old apartment and ate our way around all the delicious French menus on offer.

May
I moved from the East End to Kennington – ‘the town of the King’. On a good night, I can open the windows and hear Big Ben chiming. Amazing.

June
Ah young love, sometimes it doesn’t last. I joined a gym, visited galleries, read in a park and did all the things you should after break up. I think I saw more of London in a month than all the time before.

July
My friend Jasper took me to the Proms to see ‘Human Planet’ (a doco he worked on). It featured one of my favourite musicians, Nitin Sawhney with an odd entourage – an African gourd player, Mongolian throat chanters, Siberian shamans and Pacific Island dancers.

August
I went to the Edinburgh Fest and enjoyed great comedy, theatre and all the whisky drinking that happens in between. So many things to see in such a short span of time – incredible.

September
I made a true friend in London. John and I have robust discussions about the city’s financial austerity, architectural abyss and socially conservative attitudes. I finally understand the place I now call home.

October
I visited the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. It was extraordinary to see a ‘timeline’ of his work from beginning to tragic end. Learning he started late in life reinforces the idea that there’s hope for me yet!

November
I saw the ENO production of Tosca. It was surreal to see one of my favourite operas by one of the world’s preeminent opera companies. It was a nice reminder of how far I’d come since presenting that opera programme so long ago.

December
I came home. It was a bit sad ticking the ‘just visiting’ box at immigration. It was so liberating to go driving with my friends again, riding along all of Melbourne’s lush forests, sun-glittered beaches, tree-lined boulevards – pure bliss.

The Gay List: Jonah and the Big Wish

We can do better. We must do better. We must say no to bullying.

This video deeply moved me.

As Christmas approaches, I wish for a kinder world where everyone is celebrated for who they are. As Oscar Wilde said:

Be yourself; everyone else is taken.

Anyone Who Had A Heart

Media teacher Addam Stobbs said in class something that stuck with me, “the best radio presenters wear their hearts on their sleeves”.

Sometimes when I say personal things on air, I’m surprised by the lovely feedback that is sent in. It makes sense; when you offer a deeper, more intimate, highly personal connection to the listener, they respond. Remember, this is often the reason people listen to the radio – for companionship. If you open up, they will be drawn to you.

I work on radio campaigns for West End productions and sometimes in a day I hear up to 20 interviews by leading presenters from all around the country. I feel like I can make a fairly objective call on which are the best. I stand by Addam’s message. Who is a good presenter? Anyone who has a heart and is willing to show it.

Good radio isn’t just about experience and preparation – it’s about how passionate and genuine you are. The listener has a pretty good bullshit detector and don’t want fakes, they like real, decent, honest people. If you want to be the best presenter you can be, just be yourself.

19 Favourite Aussie Songs

Being far from home has made me nostalgic for good Aussie music.

Four Seasons in One Day is currently on high rotation because there is a special relationship a Melburnian has with Crowded House. Nothing musically sums up the Melbourne lifestyle so neatly. I wear layered clothes, picnic in the city and love trams – because ‘that’s Melbourne’.

When I started dating George, I made him a mix tape topped with George’s Breathe In Now and tailed with Georgy Girl by The Seekers. I present below the 19 tracks that in one way or another celebrate the wonderfulness of George and Australia.

Breathe In Now
George (Polyserena 2002) Brisbane
A song that’s given me great comfort since I was 19. It’s serendipitous I can share this with 19 yo George. This song is lovely, delicate and transcendant.

Just  a Boy
Angus and Julia Stone (A Book Like This 2007) Sydney
‘One kiss from you and I’m drunk up on your potion’ – the gag is I’m a lightweight, so one kiss should do it. Other favs The Beast, Paper Aeroplanes.

Ballet
Tara Simmons (All The Ammendments EP 2007) Brisbane
Introduced by darling Jenny O’Joy of Local and Vocal – this song is graceful and delightful, just like dancer George.

We Won’t Run
Sarah Blasko (As Day Follows Night 2007) Sydney
I saw Blasko at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games – as she sang Don’t Dream It’s Over, snow gently drifted across the arena. She is the darling angel of Australian music.

Lay Everything On Me
Oh Mercy (In The Nude For Love EP 2009) Melbourne
I once privately serenade by these lads (on Different Strokes with Jade Gulliver). Bloody good and attractive musos. Also check out Get You Back.

Fall At Your Feet
Clare Bowditch (She Will Have Her Way 2005) Melbourne
A Crowded House favourite sung by the amazing Bowditch. Clare’s song Lips Like Oranges is also worth checking out (especially this video where she forgets the ‘effin words!).

Heart’s A Mess
Gotye (Like Drawing Blood 2006) Melbourne
Wally De Backer is genius and this song is simply beautiful, even if a tad melancholy.

This Old Love
Lior (Autumn Flow 2005) Melbourne
A wholly adorable song about lovers growing old together (no pressure George).

Space They Cannot Touch
Kate Miller-Heidke (Little Eve 2007) Brisbane
One of my favourite interviewees, Miller-Heidke is an incredible vocalist and quite a funny lyricist (see The Facebook Song).

Dear Daniel
The Little Stevies (Grow Up 2006) Melbourne
Robin and I treaded the same theatre boards (he memorably on stage, and me not memorably backstage). This is a happy tune to bop to.

Strangers in the Wind
Cut Copy (In Ghost Colours 2008) Melbourne
This band is sex. Their music is the perfect soundtrack to everything. Especially sex. Because they ARE sex.

Electricity
The Avalanches (Since I Left You 2000) Melbourne
Opera is uber cool. Antoinette Halloran provides vocals to Daft Punk samples and a gnarly mix of Australian awesome.

Walking On A Dream
Empire Of The Sun (Walking On A Dream 2008) Sydney
Forget walking, the riff is imminently danceable.

Time To Begin
Katie Noonan (Skin 2007) Brisbane
Of George fame, Katie’s first ‘performance’ was taking the curtain call for her mother at the opera in nappies. Cute. My fav K-Noo is a cover of Crazy.

Embrace
Pnau (Self titled 2008) Sydney
Nick Littlemore from Empire of the Sun gets another go. Teamed with NZ’s Ladyhawke this song will get you grooving like a giant strawberry.

Black Cats
Bertie Blackman (Secrets and Lies 2009) Sydney
This song is so unambiguously lustful with its repeated mentions of ‘sex and sweat’.

Clap Your Hands
Sia (We Are Born 2010) Adelaide
This song comes with the best video. Sia is a quirky and loveable hero of the Aussie musical scene.

I Love It (Acoustic Version)
Sneaky Sound System (Self titled 2006) Sydney
Originally a dance track, the acoustic version shows off the glorious vocals of Connie Mitchell. I miss dancing my tits off to Sneaky Sound System, but sure it’s only a matter of time before they playing in London.

Georgy Girl
The Seekers (Come The Day 1966) Melbourne
This song must hold a record as one of the most recognised Australian songs (that’s not sung by Kylie). This song is all rainbows and sunshine.

Bucket List – London in July

Here are the things I’d like to do this month:

1. Gawk at the oddness of the Swan Upping ceremony
2. Get a dose of culture at the V&A Museum Village Fete
3. Enjoy the musical delights at the BBC Proms
4. Consider volunteering and say g’day to the folk at Stonewall
5. It’s Pride month, so there will be plenty of gay things to do no doubt

A Rose By Any Other Name

I dedicate this to @girllighting who was given her first ‘put down’ nickname on a gaming forum ‘Miss Ding-a-Ling’.

Apparently it’s oh-so-witty because her name is Ling. Obviously, she thinks, it’s simply harmless. True, it reminds me of that hilarious scene from The Simpsons ‘I want you to play with my Ding-a-Ling‘.

Myself, I’m always given nicknames. The shortness must make people pity me and want to donate extra syllables.

Here are my favourite monikers given by friends and foes:

• Dan Dan Iced Vo Vo
  Radio chum Damiana Nicholulu named me after the Arnott’s biscuit treat, because I’m a ‘symphony in pink’.
• Vomo
  Petro used this for a year before I realised it was short for ‘Vomo the Homo’. He is, of course, ‘Petro the Hetero’.
• Dan Vogue
  Tom honestly thought that was my actual name.
• Voog
  George says it rhymes with Moog, the cheesy music of the 70′s and I too am cheesy (according to him).
• Dan Dan
  My friend ‘Little Bek with a Big B’ sometimes used this. When she realised it was Chinese slang for testicles, she always used it.
• Devo
  Given to me in music class.
• Van Dogh
  Given to me in art class.
• Dinky Danko
  This and other versions like Dingo Dango or True Blue Dinky Dan are used by British colleagues.
• Devolicious
  Self given when I was newly out gay. It goes to show that sometimes, you really are your own worst enemy.

Bucket List – London in June

After a move from East to South, I’m resettled in London and am ready for new adventures. I’d like to:

1. Hit the mats at Arch Climbing Wall (bouldering) or hit the heights at Westway (indoor rock climbing)
2. Find a romantic picnic spot – maybe Primrose, Brixton, Henry VIII Mound or the promisingly named Shooters Hill
3. Cross the Thames at London Tower Bridge
4. Pride London Festival kicks off in June so it’s time to get my glitter on
5. Salute the soldiers at the Queen’s Trooping the Colour march