the Us. Project team

Megan Bowers-Vette | Lead Artist

I'm a New Zealand based photographer and rape survivor who is shooting a touring exhibition - "Us" - which will feature the stories and portraits of 50 other survivors from around, but not restricted to, New Zealand and Australia. The first show is 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 which separates us victims from each other. I have more than 30 people who want to participate so far - and I'm looking for up to 20 more.

This is my journal from the project, where I will be chronicling stories as I work my way through the project, sharing updates and outtakes from the shoots with my amazing participants. Please see the bottom of the page to register for our monthly newsletter about the amazing journey that is Us.

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.