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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Nigel Coates and Murray Smith, WA, 1972

by John Witzig

Nigel Coates and Murray Smith, WA, 1972

It’s almost impossible to believe that this photograph, featured on the cover of Tracks in March 1972, isn’t a trick; but Witzig did indeed take it from the water, struggling to maintain his own position very, very close to the action. Murray Smith’s sleek neoprene form is lofted on a veritable mountain of water. His profile itself resembles a granite headland; the lobe of his ear, between sideburn and lock of slick hair, is in the exact centre of the photograph. Coates focuses on his own path but there’s a profound sense of connection between the two surfers. Smith feels, in himself, the sweet ride his friend has caught, and his chest swells with exultation as he waits for his own. They say you never surf twice on the same wave.

Arcadia
(More information, View all 11 images)

Ted at Bells Beach
Bells steps, c. 1975
Prevelly Park (Geoff Sedovic and Nigel Coates)
Dogs at Cactus

Related information

Nat Young, c. 1968 by Albert Falzon
Nat Young, c. 1968 by Albert Falzon
Nat Young, c. 1968 by Albert Falzon
Nat Young, c. 1968 by Albert Falzon

Arcadia

Sound of the sea

Previous exhibition, 2014

An exhibition of photographs by John Witzig, drawings by Nicholas Harding and film footage by Albe Falzon, expressive of the free-spirited, hot-blooded energy of Australian surfers under the cloud of conscription to Vietnam.
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The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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