DISCOMBOBULATION

This research-led photographic project delves into the overlooked narrative of my third great-grandfather, allegedly murdered at Mount Blackwood in April 1858. His body was discovered on a makeshift pyre by Korkuperrimul Creek, with only his coat buttons as evidence. Despite existing police and court records, insufficient evidence left him known only as a “certain man whose name is unknown”. This uncertainty led me to explore the elusive nature of reality and create a visual narrative around an incomplete historical truth.

The project examines how photography blurs the line between reality and imagination, capturing the essence of a location and its layered history. Using an experimental documentary approach, I cross-referenced multiple sources to represent events while acknowledging the inherent bias in both historical interpretations and narrative photography, encouraging viewer speculation.

Motivated by a desire to comprehend the events surrounding my ancestor’s death and the ensuing legal proceedings, this investigation builds on my previous work, I Have Nothing to Say (Tweedale 2022). The process connects contemporary photographic techniques with historical research, reflecting my fascination with criminal history, family heritage, and the psychology of crime. Uncovering my family’s past has deepened my connection to historical narratives, providing a sense of identity, continuity, and belonging.

Through this work, I aim to engage a wider audience by linking photography with archival objects, challenging established historical accuracy, and reframing an Australian colonial narrative. The resulting speculative documentary photobook questions the boundaries of truth in historical storytelling and explores how we connect with our past, our families, and ultimately ourselves.