Gomma Photography Grant 2021
Grande Bruto
Photographer
David Cossini
Grande Bruto
21 Mar, 2022
This truly is an exceptional piece of work. Compositions that suck us into alcohol fueled escapades with slurred fun fare tunes playing in the background. The confidence, almost cockiness in which the main culprit, Leo and his affiliates embrace their chaotic dissent into trouble, is unmatched.Â
"Leo navigates circumstances that are by turns unfortunate, astonishing, unlikely, hilarious, traumatic, and romantic." Through this head-on approach to the camera, that is, everpresent, everready to be challenged - the general take on life and all its challenges is revealed in such a heartwarming and comedic way, it draws in the viewer and spreads the emotion of the experience. A life lived unapologetic yet open to receive, develops and we cheer for it.Â
"From the depths of alcohol dependence and a stint in a psychiatric hospital to his mateship with Glen, finding love, changing his lifestyle and marrying for the third time. Will it be third time lucky?" The simple approach to picture compositions, bold colors, movement and interaction give this body of work a feel of spontaneity, yet privilege to have been in the right moment and a sense of connection through the openness of the models.
About the photographer
David Cossini
David Cossini is a documentary photographer and storyteller based out of Newcastle, Australia and specialising in immersive, long-form projects and portraiture. His images are evocative, often choosing subjects that are extreme, raw and at times unapologetically brutal. Instinctively drawn to outliers and the underdog, choosing to document those on the fringes of mainstream society. Utilising a combination of his life experience, people skills and with an open mind and an open heart, Cossini’s approach is authentic, intimate and intense but ultimately humanistic. It’s full of tenderness. There is no judgement on his part, there’s no morality, he’s not glamorising it and he’s not shying away from the more difficult aspects of their lives. Having exhibited in group shows locally and internationally, In 2001 Cossini had his first solo exhibition for his award winning project ‘Grande Bruto’ at aMBUSH Gallery in Sydney as part of the Head On Photo Festival. In 2022, Cossini was the winner of the 2021 Gomma Grant New Flavour Award, The 2022 Percival Photographic Portrait Prize and Still Motion/Video Photographer of the Year award winner at the International Awards.
