James Russell

One of the world's top photographers, Russell James hails from Western Australia. Strongly idiosyncratic, his work is heavily influenced by his homeland's open landscapes and extraordinary light. Dream-like images combine the natural elements of air, sun, earth and water. Applauded for his sexy nudes, exuberant fashion spreads, as well as distinctive portraiture, his trademark style is instantly recognizable. Whether capturing the daily lives of Australia's aboriginal peoples, or crafting a luxury advertising campaign, this consummate professional leaves nothing to chance…

Every era has its pantheon of female beauty. These illustrious few define the look of their times. With V2, top international photographer Russell James anoints the next generation of supermodels. These alluring young goddesses—including Brooklyn Decker, frequently featured in Sports Illustrated’s coveted Swimsuit Issue, or Miranda Kerr— pose amid the natural splendor of a tropical setting. Hidden away from the world, we get a glimpse of what must be paradise.

In the last decade it has evolved from James' individual attempt to understand the clash of ancient and modern cultures he witnessed growing up in Australia to what it is today - a powerful expression of partnership and reconciliation in action through art, music and film that has become a global example of true collaboration across deep cultural divides. From its humble beginnings as a photographic and film exhibition in New York in 1999, "Nomad Two Worlds" endured the years leading up to the global event known in the political narrative simply as The Apology, the 2008 public apology made to Indigenous Australians by the then Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd. Developing "Nomad Two Worlds" has involved a decade of groundwork, including travel to remote regions of northern Western Australia with senior Indigenous custodians who have provided access to sites of great cultural significance to the Aboriginal people of that region. Burial grounds, gorges, stunning coastlines and desert locations, often restricted and secret, were allowed to be photographed and filmed by James in the spirit of meaningful reconciliation. The result, an unprecedented artistic collaboration of hand embellished art photographs, form the heart of a "Nomad Two Worlds" installation. The ABC Documentary released in 2011 "Becoming Jangala" is a detailed look back at the creation of "Nomad Two Worlds" and the special bond between Bieundurry and James and can be viewed on this site.