Migrants arriving in SydneyDavid Moore · 1966

Identification of Migrants arriving in Sydney

Migrants arriving in Sydney is a photograph by David Moore, executed in 1966. The work belongs to Moore's series titled From Face to Face. It captures a group of individuals disembarking in Sydney, documenting a significant moment of arrival and the shifting social fabric of mid-century Australia.

The image focuses on the faces and upper bodies of the subjects, presenting a tight, intimate view of those seeking new lives. Through this specific framing, Moore captures the varied expressions and generational mix of the passengers. The photograph remains a significant visual record of the migration patterns that shaped the nation's identity during this period.

Composition and Visual Elements

The composition is tightly framed, condensing the subjects into a narrow space that emphasizes the immediacy of the moment. A strong horizontal emphasis is created by the line of people stretching across the frame, a structure underpinned by the ship's rail. This railing runs along the bottom edge, providing a rigid visual anchor that contrasts with the organic forms of the passengers.

A central figure raises her hand, an ambiguous gesture that draws the eye and introduces a sense of dynamism to the otherwise horizontal arrangement. The presence of a generational mix among the passengers suggests themes of family reconnections or individual courage. This variety of faces and postures creates a complex narrative within the crowded frame.

Technique and Physical Materials

This work is a black and white gelatin silver photograph on paper. The medium utilizes a traditional chemical process to produce a wide tonal range, capturing the subtle gradations of light and shadow across the subjects' faces. The monochrome palette emphasizes texture and form without the distraction of color.

The image measures 30.2 x 43.5 cm. The physical paper sheet is larger, measuring 35.7 x 47.0 cm. The print is signed and dated in pencil on the verso.

History and Institutional Collections

This gelatin silver photograph is held within several significant Australian collections. The National Portrait Gallery in Canberra maintains the work as part of its permanent holdings, having received it as a gift from the artist in 2001. This acquisition was facilitated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program. The acquisition was supported by financial assistance from Timothy Fairfax AC and L Gordon Darling AC CMG CMG.

The work is also represented in the collections of the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Art Gallery of South Australia. These distributed holdings reflect the photograph's presence across various state and national institutions. The Art Gallery of South Australia holds the work under accession number 8911Ph20, acquired via a South Australian Government Grant in 1989.