An exhibition of documentary photography from East Africa by Mark Chew
Mark Chew is one of Australia’s pre-eminent Documentary and Editorial Photographers. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Mark’s projects regularly take him all over the world.
Photographed over a five-year period in Urban Slums and Refugee Camps of East Africa,hisnewestsoloexhibition, F**K LOSS KISS records the lives of mostly women and children in an attempt to reveal the complexity and diversity of existence in difficult circumstances. It opens at forty-five downstairs on Tuesday, April 1st, from 5-7 pm.
“Returning to the land of my birth, I feel a connection that goes beyond a working relationship”, says Chew. “The exhibition is an attempt to show the full spectrum of life where children are loved, food can be scarce, education is cherished, and laughter and music lie around every corner. Making images such as these takes time.
Time spent sitting, listening, observing and making connections. Some of the people in these photographs I would call friends, as I would many generous East Africans, who have helped facilitate access to their communities.”
Documentary photography, however rigorous, will always be subjective. If these images are successful, the viewer will “see” but, more importantly, “feel” each moment in front of the lens. It is this deeper engagement that encourages empathy and connection and, perhaps, helps change the lives of millions in need.
The exhibition will open on April 1st. Abeny Mayols talked about her experience as a South Sudanese refugee, and Bren Arkinstall, CEO of the Edmund Rice Foundation, talked about his work in Urban Slums. Please email a request to attend the official opening.
There will be a free and public Q&A event, where the photographer, Mark Chew, will talk in detail about the works and how each of the images came about, in conversation with Lisa Button, CEO of Community Refugee Australia.
Please join us at fortyfivedownstairs on Saturday, April 5th, from 2-3.30 pm for this not-to-be-missed event.
No RSVP is required.
The exhibition will be supported with the screening of a film titled “Living Room” by Alecia and Archie.
All Mark Chewworks are for sale. Commissions available. Please enquire directly to the artist.
