Friday, June 20

Mostly chairs in weird places

Sydney artist Belinda Anderson-Hunt has spent years collecting street portraits and interviews from local citizens of Sydney's Inner West.

By Belinda Anderson-HuntMay 8, 2017 Art 2 Mins Read

1. “There’s always magpies here. I bring a little mince for them sometimes. This one takes food right out of my hand. I’ll take it home one day. No, I wouldn’t do that. magpies belong in the wild. I wouldn’t change that.”

2. “I work in that office. I was looking at this flower. It looks pretty from back here, but up close it’s all full of bugs. Haha. Well actually maybe that’s good. The bugs like the flowers. I don’t know. It’s nice weather today. It’s nice to get out. Even if I’m just looking at a flower.”

3copy — 3. “We’ve all been drinking. They stress a lot and I guess it’s gotta come out somewhere. I’m just sick of being the mediator”.

4copy — 4. “Life can be tough, but you really have to just love yourself sometimes. If I’m feeling bogged down, it’s because I haven’t eaten healthy or I’ve forgotten to exercise. A body is a temple and you have to keep it in good working order”.

5copy — 5. “I have a big place in my heart for dogs. I can’t have my own, because I’m allergic. I like to imagine what it would be like to have one. Oh No! I couldn’t pat them. I’d die.”

6. “It’s street theatre. Out here. This is real life and we’re the observers as well as the participants. I’m watching myself watch the street and you’re watching me too, but I’m also watching you….do you know what I mean?”

7. “She won’t come inside. She’s upset, because I haven’t been able to give her the kind of attention she wants. Her Dad’s not around a lot and I’m left juggling everything. If I could, I’d be having a tantrum too.”

8 copy — 8. “I’ve only been outside to take in the bins. I barely leave the house most days. I have big dreams though. I’m going to go to Ithaca one day. I hear it’s nice there.”

accidental art art junk Photo Essay Photography trash

From the mines

Admin

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. The University of Sydney – where we write, publish and distribute Honi Soit – is on the sovereign land of these people. As students and journalists, we recognise our complicity in the ongoing colonisation of Indigenous land. In recognition of our privilege, we vow to not only include, but to prioritise and centre the experiences of Indigenous people, and to be reflective when we fail to be a counterpoint to the racism that plagues the mainstream media.

© 2025 Honi Soit