When you think of the world’s best photographers, the city of Ballarat in Victoria (north-west of Melbourne) may not be the first location that comes to mind. But it has become increasingly renowned for its celebration of photography, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale.
Now celebrating its 4th instalment, the event has been included in the Festival la Luz (Festival of Light) – a grouping of 26 photography festivals across the globe. This international attention has helped the event secure 22 of the biggest names in photography for their 2011 event from 20 August – 18 September.
Maleonn (above and hero)
Featured photographers include architectural photographer John Gollings – who will be displaying works documenting the aftermath of the 2009 Victorian bushfires – and Czech photographer Jan Saudek as well as a retrospective of renowned English photographer and film producer, Duffy.
John Gollings
Jan Saudek
Duffy
Other core program artists include:
Judith Crispin, Melbourne, Australia
Les Horvat, Melbourne, Australia
Jeff Louviere and Vanessa Brown, New Orleans, USA
Frances Mocnik, Sydney, Australia
Osamu James Nakagawa, USA/Japan
Tony Whincup, New Zealand
Bruce Postle, Melbourne, Australia
Heather Dinas, Melbourne, Australia
Jack Picone
Frances Mocnik
Jeff Louviere and Vanessa Brown
Cynthia Karalla
The Core Program can be seen at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, the Mining Exchange and other locations throughout the city, with Fringe Program exhibitions in Ballarat, Creswick and Buninyong.
Definitely worth the drive from Melbourne. Visit the program website for more info.
Ballarat International Foto Biennale
ballaratfoto.org