Malpa Projects – Painting the future

The life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians is 19 years. Chronic health problems plague Indigenous communities. Kidney failure alone runs as much as 50 times the national average in some Indigenous communities and organ transplant rates are less than a third of the national average. With these alarming figures, Malpa is creating various projects to tackle these health problems.

I was approached by Don Palmer the director of this project, to capture and photograph a few Dialysis Machines which have been painted by beautiful Aboriginal art work. When I first spoke to him on the phone, I could tell straight away at how passionate he was about this project. With Dons background and commitment I know he can make a change and reduce those alarming figures.

The reason these machines where painted, is because art tells a story. Its a way to express your feelings and show others the true meaning behind something. Aboriginal artists have painted their stories on these dialysis machines which are the only means of survival or increasing numbers in Central Australia. The machines are being taken around the world to raise awareness of the importance of giving the world’s oldest continuous cultures a chance to create a future. This project is generously supported by Fresenius Medical Care who are the manufacturers and suppliers of the machines.

One of the machines is proudly displayed in the headquarters of Fresenius Medical Care in Germany.

If you would like to know more information please do visit the following website: http://www.malpa.org.au/

Sample pics can be seen below:

– Strobist Info: 2 Alien Bee B800s (one in large octabox and one bare bulb).