REBECCA TUNKS

Bodies

The beach is an iconic aspect of Australian identity, serving as a communal gathering space that transcends age, background, and lifestyle. Perth, Beach Girls (2011) celebrates this sense of belonging by highlighting a multitude of women in various states of relaxation, play, and contemplation. The montage format, with its grid of figures in swimsuits, beachwear, and casual summer attire, reflects the uniqueness of each individual while also emphasising the shared cultural experience of Australian beaches.

Tunks’ work reveals how Western Australians beaches act as a democratic space, where people from all walks of life come together to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. In Beach Girls, Tunks captures not only the diversity but also the unity of those who participate in this quintessentially Australian lifestyle, reflecting a broader narrative about identity, community, and the collective enjoyment of natural spaces.