Photography / Essence of Canberra, by members of the Canberra Photographic Society. At Civic Library, until October 11. Reviewed by CON BOEKEL.
What is the essence of Canberra?
This exhibition celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Canberra Photographic Society. It consists of framed prints and of images on a screen.
Several dozen members have contributed to the exhibition. There is oodles of talent. Some of the exhibiting members have contributed to solo and to group exhibitions. There are award-winning artists and artists whose works have been reviewed on this website. One, Brian Rope, is indeed a CityNews photography reviewer.
The society does not mandate particular conceptual or art theoretical approaches. Individual creativity is supported and fostered.
The genres here are too numerous to list. If there is a consistent theme, it is the limitless ability of the medium to absorb light, transmute it, and then to re-present it with fresh meaning. Some features are repeated again and again. The works are technically excellent. The use of composition, colour and light is generally both deliberate and acute.
Canberra-based viewers who like to centre themselves in time and place will appreciate the quest of relating to some of the historical and geographical-imagery.
The essence of Canberra presented is generally that of the built and natural environments. There is a strong emphasis on capturing natural and artificial light. By way of contrast, there is no great emphasis on incisive social commentary, on Canberra’s grittier human side, or on Canberra’s considerable environmental degradation. Ironically, the exhibition space is in the Civic Library. With its ever-retreating book racks this library is a sad shadow of its former glory.
The society is remarkable. There are very, very few institutions in Canberra that can match its longevity. While there have been occasional ructions, the dominant ethos – people gathering to help each other to make better photographs – has prevailed. Photography can be a solitary vice. Maybe it is the society’s community-based approach that is here the true reflection of the essence of Canberra.
The results are an outstanding visual treat.
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