ROBERT BESANKO
WHAT WAS IT LIKE FOR YOU TO BE IN A PHOTOGRAPHIC darkroom for the first time?
I remember it very well. I couldn’t have been older than two, because the darkroom was in Temora (NSW) and we moved to East Melbourne when I was three. I remember being very affected by the metaphysics of the darkroom: the black velvet curtain, the darkness, the red light, the equipment, and the way my father and his friend were really into photography, it was remarkable.
Were there other art forms?
As a boy I loved painting, listening to music and learning to play the piano. But I was also into sailing, swimming and tennis and they evoked my ability for concentration and helped me win races and competitions. But I disliked any attention, especially being praised, I am very uncomfortable with success. Attention traumatised me so much, there were moments I couldn’t engage in my achievements. This anxiety has affected my entire life, even right now talking to you, I feel I shouldn’t be speaking. Art grew in
