Serendipity was at play when the enigmatic 96 year old ancient Baba Desi and l paths crossed five years ago. Also known as the Belgrave Wizard, he is an inspirational , iconic, urban legend in the Dandenong Ranges and the wider Melbourne area. Born during the Great Depression years, his life story is a rich tapestry that spans decades across the history of Melbourne.In his words '“ I have worn many hats”.
In starting this personal photographic project, I set out to document his life and to open us his world to the many that adore and are inspired by a life lived outside of societal norms. He is a person who is true to himself - “ I would rather be a clown than a clone”. Known for his exquisite personal style and eclectic wardrobe, he uses colour and texture to express his inner creative landscape.
Together we have created and produced keepsakes of Belgrave’s Folklore, and established ‘The Baba Desi Story’ . Our social media platforms have being a touchpoint for community to recollect, and retell, memories and experiences from decades ago. Many stories have evoked emotions and reconnection with family and friends whose common thread has been connection with the wizard.
Together We have raised over $10,000 for the Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service, a Belgrave based charity helping locals in crisis.
Our creative collaborations have also enabled local artists to flourish. Using my images as a reference, they have produced artworks that have enabled them to earn income and recognition.
Baba Desi, my friend, my muse, quite simply is Belgrave.
Baba Desi, the Belgrave Wizard works on his favourite staff in his home 'The Nook'. His house is a fantastical space that reminds the viewer of a fairytale . This image was a portrait semi-finalist in the 'Head On photo Festival' Sydney 2024
A totemic figurehead to the hills tribes of the Yarra Ranges, Baba Desi stands in front of Belgrave's iconic Cameo Cinema. He is ready to lead the 2025 Lantern Festival Parade.
Some wonder whether Baba Desi the Belgrave Wizrad is a real wizard. Well he certainly looks like one here at the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens Sherbrooke. Peering into the gloom, holding his eastern influenced staff and wearing a tall wizards hat, there can be no doubt who he really is. He will say ' l have worn many hats'.
The Masonic Hall in Belgrave provided this beautiful red brick archway as a backdrop for the Wizard of Belgrave . Wearing sumptuous black and red satin his look is Asian inspired. The Hall is now permantly closed. Like Baba Desi, it represents a bygone era .
Autumn at the Alfred Nicholas Memorial gardens Dandenong Ranges. Baba Desi is 91 in this image. It could possible have been his last Autumn. As the leaves fade so does his vitality. I often found myself wishing l had met him earlier in his journey around the sun. Rather we met when we were destined to.
Baba Desi the Belgrave Wizard is at the old bus depot in Belgrave. This place does not exist anymore. Before it closed we paid a visit . The blue of his acid wash double denim is a perfect compliment to the blue hues of the grafitti. A larrikin at heart he is at home amongst the urban jungle
This image is very dear to me. So frail at 93, but still full of life and vitality, he stands in the soft morning glow of light. He is a relic, but also a powerful presence in the misty vales of the Dandenong Ranges. His woolly handmade crocheted hat, and the dressing gown l bought for him keeps him cozy. His tattooed hand lifted to his heart shows a life of rebellion and non conformity. And for that l admire him that most. His indifference to others opinions of himself, and his outright flagrancy of the accepted norms.
Clothes swamp Baba Desi's house. His former bedroom was cleared to allow the installation of a purpose built walk in wardrobe. The room has beautiful light in the mornings. Taking advantage of the empty room this day l grabbed him before he dressed. The red clogs were worn for many years until no longer fit for purpose. Totally indicative of his quirky nature they were a well worn favourite comfort piece
Bodgies and Widgies were the first youth sub-culture in Australia in the early 1950's. They hung out at Tarax milkbars drinking malted milkshakes and supposedly had marijuana fuelled sex parties- or so their parents and media alledged. Baba Desi off course was a Bodgie and still loves his malted milkshakes.
Whats a Bodgie? And a Widgie? Weird bloody names if you ask me. They belonged to guys and gals from the scandalous youth sub culture that began after WW11 in Australia. It was the first time that teenagers broke away from their parents in both dress, haircuts and dance moves. The media had a field day, depicting them as juvenile delinquents. Desi remembers those days fondly off course- always a rebel!
Baba Desi the Belgrave Wizard is at his home The Nook in Belgrave. It is a Sunday afternoon and we are chatting. He is a little tired but relaxed. We are very comfortable in each others space, our realtionship now spanning 5 years as artist and muse.
Baba Desi is known for his extensive eclectic wardrobe. The sheer volume of clothes in this massive pile is staggering. In fact it has swallowed up his bedroom. The monster has now being tamed and this room is now a purpose built walk in wardobe. Clothes donated to op shops has raised thousands for charity.
Baba Desi the Belgrave Wizard is an expert op shopper, coming home with some searious vintage ,quirky finds. Almost all his clothing is sourced from these shops.His famous staffs are bedecked with op shop treasures. Like a bower bird he brings home anything that he finds beautiful. A antique dealer in his past life ,he keeps an eye out for items that are very old and have value attached.