Christine Ansorge's photographic exhibition of some of the south-west's eldest residents defies the idea of what it means to be 90 and over.
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Work began on her first showcase a year-and-a-half ago and the portraits beautifully capture the personalities of the subjects.
"I decided I wanted to photograph the elderly to challenge these stereotypes," Ms Ansorge said.
"I made a list of about 15 people who were still living independently, were active members of the community, were healthy and fit and, above all, still enjoying life.
"I not only wanted to take their portraits but also to get to know them. I wanted to learn their life stories and find out what inspired them to keep going. And, of course, I wanted to know the key to their long life."
Ansorge said she'd sat down for hours with all her subjects and discovered each individual was a joyful person, full of life and love.
"The subjects of my portraits are independent, alert and content and don't view age as a barrier to happiness and fulfillment," she said.
"They have lived, laughed, cried, grieved, danced, sung, cursed and loved for a lifetime.
"All of this and more shows in their expressions, their lines, their hands and their gestures.
"If there is anything these nonagenarians have taught me, it is to simply live life as it comes. I hope my images offer the viewer a glimpse of the rich life behind each pair of eyes."
Nonagenarian: 16 Portraits by Christine Ansorge runs at Warrnambool's F Project from August 21 to September 15. The official opening will be held Friday, August 23 at 6pm.
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