Skater Project

Skater Phase 1: The Stance by photographer Nikki Toole, is a book project that looks at skater culture and the various environments in which skaters congregate. Much of her work explores notions of unconscious expression and the vulnerability of existing within a group or at the margins of a group. For her, the skater typifies both extremes of this existence. Many skaters speak of a solitary mind space while skating; of zoning into another state of consciousness. To make these portraits, she asked the skaters to place themselves within this meditative space. Nikki is also interested in building a photo documentation of the visual aspect of skater culture which can be reflected in the skaters appearance.

The top image of Karina Espinoza, taken in California during the 2009 shoot was a finalist in the Australian National Photographic Prize. Nikki has traveled to Rome, London, Prague, Berlin, USA and around Australia shooting the Skater Book. Skater: Portraits by Nikki Toole will be on show at The National Portrait Gallery of Australia from February 16th 2012..