Brisbane Powerhouse and Manly Art Gallery and Museum present
Oculi: Terra Australis Incognita
Wed 10 Aug – Sun 11 Sep 2011
CURATED BY SANDY EDWARDS
A Photographic Survey
The notion, Terra Australia Incognita (which translates as ‘unknown land of the south) stems from a time when the unknown could only be explained through the imaginary. Images in Terra Australis Incognita emphasise the individual perspectives of the ten photographers of this acclaimed photography collective. Each personal viewpoint and subject matter is distinctly etched, while there is clearly a distinctive Oculi style.
Depicting Australia in a contemporary light, the images challenge stereotypical images of Australia, while seeking to present a surprisingly non-stereotypical view to non-Australian viewers. The strong visual style of the Oculi collective has defined them as the new generation of photographers. It has been highly influential within contemporary Australian photography (think of the impact of the work of Trent Parke who was a founding member of Oculi before he joined Magnum Photos) and has changed the conventions of photojournalism in Australia.
The photographers themselves have described their work in various ways.
Andrew Quilty asserted: “This work often scratches beneath the surface of the image one would initially think of when visualising Australia.”
Donna Bailey describes the work as “A vision of Australia which is empathetic and humorous, interpretative and defiant, questioning and critical.”
Photographer and critic Robert McFarlane says:“Social documentary in Australia is historically the province of the young, independent freelance photographers and during this decade Oculi’s photojournalists have energetically documented important Australian issues for both today’s press and for future posterity – to considerable acclaim. This exhibition will be particularly important historically speaking.”
Terra Australis Incognita is an exhibition that challenges notions of nationality, place and cultural belonging through the dynamic medium of photojournalistic photography.
More here: www.brisbanepowerhouse.org
