SALT OF THE EARTH

The word haunting is often used in portraiture, and no truer a description could be said of rising star Sophie Dunnes’ photographic memorial of her late friend and muse Simon Scott. Haunting, because we see a man not just staring back at the lens in defiance of death, but a spirit so resolute that he lives forever more through Dunne’s photographic homage. The fortitude and determination to survive communicated through these images stirs the soul, the fragile frame of skin and bones explicitly portraying the challenge of a man determined to keep going, the struggle of humanity encapsulated in one man’s journey. There is something immortal in this extraordinary photomontage of a man in the last throes of life, reminiscent of the legendary photojournalist Sir Donald McCullin’s candid portraits in the face of war. In Dunne’s photos her subject’s war is with life itself – lung cancer – a battle Simon fought with strength, tenacity, courage and heroism. In Simon’s own words, “The amazing thing is that I look at these pictures daily now to self motivate. It's easy to feel like quitting some days… but now I simply cannot… Sophie Dunne our thoughts matched and now the imagery is keeping me focused.” A focus that enabled Simon to live his life to the full, far beyond the time that was predicted. His fun and wise demeanor - full of laughter and positivity - giving joy to his family and friends. Loyal and true, that rarest of characters, he was quite simply the salt of the earth. Simon’s dying wish was for this portrait series to be exhibited in New York City, perhaps his way of challenging the photographer to fully realise her overwhelming talent and take her art to the next level. But for now let’s drink to the salt of the earth – Simon Scott – forever in our hearts.