the US Project team

Megan Bowers-Vette Lead Artist

I'm a New Zealand photographer based in Melbourne and an abuse survivor. I’m the lead artist who photographed a touring exhibition called Us, almost 10 years ago. It featured the stories and portraits of 50 other survivors from around, but not restricted to, New Zealand and Australia. I had my first show at the Whangarei Art Museum on 28th August 2017.

After 28 years of silence about what happened to me when I was just 9 years old, I realised it was all wrong that I was the one left feeling ashamed and guilty. Us. is my way of normalising the conversation around sexual abuse and ending the silence that separates us, victims, from each other.

Elena Burger-Guimarães Photographer & Assistant Project Manager

I’m a documentary photographer based in Naarm (Melbourne). My photography honours human connection – moments of love, laughter, intimacy, challenge, performance and pride. It’s a privilege to capture someone’s story and create a portrait together. 

I have a Bachelor of Photographic Design (with Honours) from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa (Massey University Wellington, New Zealand). In 2017, I received an award in the Documentary Family Photography Awards.

I'm not about intense photoshoots or stiff posing. I'd rather blend into the background or be unabashedly walking on my knees so I don't get in the way! Time with me is a collaboration: hanging out, documenting and making together.

A woman with shoulder-length, curly brown hair and a nose ring smiles faintly as she leans against a concrete wall in a garden. She wears a sleeveless black top and colourful patterned trousers.

Carol Saldanha Curatorial & Communications Manager

I have a degree in Communication with a major in Journalism, and a Diploma in Fashion and Textile Design. Currently, I work as a Content Designer and UX Copywriter. Based on my education and professional background, I can say that my interest in life is communication. 

We use words, images, shapes, colours, clothes and everything to communicate and tell our story or the story of how we’re feeling at that moment in time. I have an innate interest in people, their lives, photography and the arts. That’s what drew me to this project in the first place.

I work best when I work with purpose and intention. Being able to tell someone’s story is a privilege. There’s something special and sacred about listening. Having people trust me and open up is the one aspect of my work I live for.

Medium close-up portrait of a woman with dark, shoulder-length hair smiling warmly at the camera, wearing a grey jacket with a pink-and-orange patterned grid design over a pink top.

Rahila Zeeshan Project Manager

I am a Melbourne-based visual and textile artist. I received my Textile Design degree in Karachi, Pakistan. With experience in exhibitions, community arts and not-for-profit projects, I value bringing people, ideas and creative projects together. My experience working across culturally diverse communities informs an approach grounded in respect, sensitivity and inclusive engagement. 

I enjoy capturing life through painting, visiting exhibitions when time allows, and facilitating creative workshops for children and adults. 

 Megan’s boldness in highlighting healing and positivity is something I am proud to be part of. Conversations around these experiences can still be taboo in my culture. Still, times are changing, and I am glad to be part of this project at a time when these conversations are becoming more visible and important.