Together with other groups of islands in the South Pacific, Polynesia and Micronesia, Melanesia makes up Oceania. Despite its turbulent history, it remains one of the world's most ignored places. Although the islands in the South Pacific are easily seen as tropical paradises, Melanesia is burdened with AIDS, unemployment, independence struggles and climate change. Ben Bohane photographed daily life in the archipelago, where religion plays a large role. In addition to the traditional animist sects, Islam and Christianity are gaining increased influence in Melanesia.

Ben Bohane (b. 1970, Australia) is a photojournalist, writer and television producer, specializing in Oceania. He graduated with a study of Melanesian religion, and has been researching traditional sects on the Pacific islands for more than a decade.