Alanna Hankey, Photographer, To Bathe
Don't end up simply having visited this world ...
Held on the banks of holy rivers every 12 years, Kumbh Mela is a sacred Hindi pilgrimage in India, where millions gather to bathe in the holy waters. The world’s largest religious gathering, Kumbh Mela drew Nigel Brennan and Alanna Hankey to Allahabad early this year to capture the colour, chaos and devotion of this deeply, spiritual festival. Embracing the moment, Alanna took her first venture into professional photography, with Nigel’s images his first foray back into photojournalism since being released in November 2009 from a 462-day hostage ordeal in Somalia. Inspired by the trip, the couple decided the images could have the ability to give back to the Indian community through an exhibition. To Bathe will be exhibited at Brisbane Powerhouse on Friday May 24, with half the profits from the sale of the prints going towards Maiti Nepal, a non-profit organisation committed to preventing sex trafficking and rescuing women and girls from brothels in Indian. The Weekend Edition caught up with Alanna to chat perfect weekends and inspirations.
How do you like to start your weekend?
With yoga.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Waking with no plans and just seeing where the day takes me.
How do you like to unwind?
By the sea or somewhere green – since returning from living in New York, I’m always skipping town for green, open space.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Lots of laughter.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Get to GOMA.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
A family barbecue – a good bottle of red, Tracey Chapman records and too much food.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
Our photographic exhibition, To Bathe, at Brisbane Powerhouse on Friday May 24.
What are you reading at the moment?
Emergency Sex and (Other Desperate Measures) by Heidi Postlewait, Kenneth Cain and Andrew Thomson, and some Oscar Wilde poetry.
What inspires you?
Love, freedom, peace, honesty and exploration.
What was your childhood dream?
To be a singer. I often relive these childhood dreams for Nigel.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Learning to live in the moment.
What is success to you?
Embracing vulnerability. It’s where we learn. It’s how we grow.
What are your words of wisdom?
In the sentiments of Mary Oliver, don’t end up simply having visited this world.
Only a local would know … just how good we have it in Brisbane.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Fusion Hot Yoga, Kangaroo Point.
Relax … Nigel’s beach house at Moore Park Beach.
Dine … Himalayan Cafe, New Farm.
Indulge … with a good book.
Shop … Brisbane Flower Market, Rocklea.
Catch-up … The End, West End.
Be inspired … anywhere and everywhere.