on the map 1 mar 2013
DESCRIPTION
Welcome to the first edition of On the MAP. The purpose of this publication is to take a panoramic look at MAPgroup, the photographers and their projects – past, present and future, to inform group members and the public about MAP, and to encourage involvement through exchange of thoughts and ideas.TRANSCRIPT
1
MAPMANY
AUSTRALIANPHOTOGRAPHERS
GROUP
MARCH 2013O
N T
HE
VOL 1. ISSUE 1
2
DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHERS
We of MAPgroup spend much of our efforts on
the great work of preserving ‘moments’ from the
corrosion of time; fixing by halide or pixel a fraction
of a second that embodies a thousand tales.
We are a gathering of like-minded photographers
committed to the independent documentation of
those stories that may otherwise escape the myopic
gaze of mainstream media. Our membership includes
emerging as well as established photographers who
are passionate about the documentation of social
and environmental issues.
Our aim is twofold: We seek to create collections
of images that are thought-provoking and edifying,
and are of archival benefit to those individuals or
organisations we document, as well as the broader
Australian community. We recognise that our
strength lay in our diverse and talented membership
so we seek to create a supportive and nurturing
environment, which fosters the sharing of skills and
ideas, and facilitates project collaborations.
Cover image
MAPping Wonthaggi
Photo: Ellen Smith
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CO
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3INTRODUCTION6PROJECT ROOMS14WONTHAGGI54IN DEVELOPMENT ASBESTOS
60IN FOCUS TOBIAS TITZ
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Introduction
Welcome to the first edition of On the MAP. The purpose
of this publication is to take a panoramic look at MAPgroup,
the photographers and their projects – past, present and
future, to inform group members and the public about MAP,
and to encourage involvement through exchange of thoughts
and ideas.
We take a look at some of our past projects:
Beyond Reasonable Drought (BRD), a philanthropic
photographic documentary of the effects of the recent
12‑year drought and the ingenious ways Australians coped
with the lack of water. BRD was first exhibited at Old Parliament
House in July 2008. Thanks to the efforts of the Museum of
Australian Democracy, the exhibition will be brought to three
Victorian cities in the first half of 2013, bringing it to a whole
new audience.
Sidestreets & Laneways, a contemporary essay on
Melbourne’s little streets and laneways and the characters
who populate them. The exhibition was held at the Old
Treasury Building, Melbourne in December 2011. Fifteen
photographers spent over 18 months exploring the lesser
known streets of Melbourne’s CBD.
Beyond Age, a documentation of the recovery of communities
affected by the Black Saturday fires particularly as a result of
the huge voluntary efforts of residents aged 65 years and over.
With the recent high temperatures across the eastern States,
we are once again reminded of how lives and communities
are affected by fire.
Four Elements: Air Aloft 3
Photo: Noel Butcher
MAP membersAlan AttwoodJulie Bowyer
James BraundNoel Butcher
Brian CarrPeter CasamentoAndrew Chapman
Nigel ClementsRodney Dekker
Joyce EvansPeter Eve
Melanie Faith DoveJoseph Feil
Silvi GlattauerSusan Gordon-Brown
Ponch HawkesNaomi Herzog
David JohnsHelga LeunigBrent Lukey
Morganna MageeDale Mann
Nicole MarieDavid Marks
Margie McClellandJim McFarlaneJulie MillowickJaime Murcia
June OrfordFrancis ReissKristian Scott
Krystal SeigermanMichael Silver
Ellen SmithTobias Titz
Juanita WilsonAnna Wolf
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Current projects:
Single Town Project – This ongoing project focuses on the
regional centres around Victoria such as St. Arnaud, Ballarat,
Ararat, and Hay, NSW. In this issue is a preview of the efforts
in MAPping Wonthaggi and the surrounding areas towards
the end of 2012. The result of the project is an engaging
and sometimes amusing look at life in and around Wonthaggi.
An exhibition is planned for April 2013.
Asbestos. Another long‑term MAP project is about the
subject of asbestos, and the devastating legacy left behind
from 50 years of asbestos production and use in Australia.
Finally, we feature the work of photographer Tobias Titz,
one of the four joint winners of the Moran Contemporary
Photography Prize 2012. The theme was Contemporary life in
Australia. Tobias won with his powerful image of Noel Charlie.
I hope you will find On the MAP stimulating and informative.
We plan to make it a regular feature on the photographic
landscape.
I’d like to end with a passage of dialogue from a recently
discovered transcript of an interview with legendary
photojournalist W. Eugene Smith, conducted by the great
portraitist Philippe Halsmann. This excerpt pretty much sums
up why MAP photographers do what they do.
Halsmann: But what if the photographer does not have the
financial means?
Smith: I will advise them not to do it, and I will hope they do.
Halsmann: What if nobody sees it? Besides a few friends?
Smith: Answer this and you will see how artists have acted
throughout the bloody ages. The goal is the work itself.
Jaime Murcia
President MAPgroup
Introduction
Project: MAPping WonthaggiPhoto: Joseph Feil
Project: AsbestosPhoto: Julie Bowyer
Tobias TitzPhoto: James Braund
Opposite pageProject: MAPping WonthaggiPhoto: Brent Lukey
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BEYOND REASONABLE DROUGHT
A dust storm approachesThe drought amplifies the amount of soil that is carried by the dust storm. Nevertire, central NSW. 2007.
Photo: Rodney Dekker
UntitledA resident of Broadford in central Victoria with what is left of her lawn. VIC. 2002.
Photo: Noel Butcher
PROJECT ROOM 1
7
PROJECTS PAST, PRESENT
AND FUTURE
Combo waterholeMark Hinman and son Thomas stand on the dry riverbed. The Combo waterhole is the billabong in Banjo Paterson’s Waltzing Matilda. QLD. 2008.
Photo: Michael Amendolia
At the turn of the 21st century, when much of Australia experienced severe
and ongoing drought, MAPgroup devoted several years to documenting its
effects on the land, the people and the psyche of the nation.
Called Beyond Reasonable Drought, the resulting powerful body of work
evolved into a touring Museum of Australian Democracy exhibition, a book
published by Five Mile Press, and a significant photographic archive held
within the National Library of Australia’s Pandora resource.
CURRENT STATUS
The exhibition is currently
touring Victoria.
101 Collins Street
Melbourne
Mon‑Sun – 9am‑5pm
15 Feb–4 Mar, 2013
The G.R.A.I.N. Store
Nathalia
Thu‑Sat – 11am‑4pm
9 Mar–17 Apr, 2013
Mildura Arts Centre
Mildura
Mon‑Sun – 10am‑5pm
6 May–28 Jun, 2013
CONTACT
Jaime Murcia
Our largest project to date, Beyond Reasonable
Drought is a Museum of Australian Democracy travelling
exhibition in association with MAPgroup.
Its inaugural exhibition was at Old Parliament House,
now known as the Museum of Australian Democracy
(MoAD), held in Canberra, 8 July–26 October, 2008 as
part of the Vivid, National Photographic Festival.
MoAD estimated that a staggering 60,000 people
viewed the show during the festival.
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BEYOND REASONABLE DROUGHT
PROJECT ROOM 1
9
PROJECTS PAST, PRESENT
AND FUTURE
LeftAll dressed up and nowhere to rowThe coxed 4 at the Lake Wendouree Rowing Club (L to R:) Peter Blanchfield, Nick Moran, Paul Blanchfield, Lachlan McKenzie. Ballarat, VIC. 2007.
Photo: Ian Kenins
AboveA dry and dusty lifeSheep emerge from a duststorm for feeding. Mossgiel station, western NSW. 2002.
Photo: Andrew Chapman
The touring 82 print exhibition component of Beyond Reasonable
Drought is managed by the Museum of Australian Democracy.
Venues to date are:
Old Parliament House, ACT 8 Jul–26 Oct 2008
Horsham Regional Art Gallery, Vic 4 Nov 2008– 5 Jan 2009
Shear Outback, Hay, NSW 1 Feb–17 Apr 2009
Central Goldfields Art Gallery, Vic 16 May–28 Jun 2009
Museum of Australian Democracy, ACT 1 Nov 2009–14 Feb 2010
Museum of Australian Democracy, ACT 4 Sep–2 Dec 2010
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PROJECT ROOM 2SIDESTREETS & LANEWAYS
Sidestreets & Laneways
Photo: Jaime Murcia
Originally titled Little Big Town, Sidestreets & Laneways is a photographic
exploration of the laneways and little streets of Melbourne’s CBD, ‘the village
within the city’. The aim of the project was to record life, to document the
transformation from neglected backwaters to the vibrant places many of them
have become.
Fifteen photographers participated in the project. Beginning in 2010, MAPgroup members
spent 18 months exploring the lesser known streets of Melbourne’s CBD. The images
in the final collection were selected from over 500 submitted, with each photographer
bringing his or her own unique perspective to this project.
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Sidestreets & Laneways
Photo: Brent Lukey
CURRENT STATUS
The exhibition is
in storage.
FUTURE PLANS
Hope to publish
the project.
CONTACT
Jaime Murcia
Exhibition titled Sidestreets & Laneways (Little Big Town)
– a contemporary look at the sidestreets and laneways
of Melbourne – was held at:
Old Treasury Building, Melbourne, Vic
2 December, 2011–31 January, 2012
St. Arnaud Shire
June–July, 2012
PROJECTS PAST, PRESENT
AND FUTURE
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PROJECT ROOM 3BEYOND AGE
Les and Jenny DovastonAt remnants of their property and trout farm, just outside Marysville. Their houseboat is now a home. VIC. 2010.
Photo: Alan Attwood
Graham and Lyn CliffordThornton, VIC. 2010.
Photo: Susan Gordon-Brown
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Brian DillonAlexandra, VIC. 2010.
Photo: Kristian Scott
The Shire of Murrindindi was one of the many areas devastated by the
Black Saturday bushfires of February 2009.
In the Shire of Murrindindi, north‑east of Melbourne, where some of the worst loss of life
and property occurred, there are many people whose lives and memories go back to the
fires of 1939 – and even further. More than 15 per cent of the shire’s population (higher
than the national average) are aged 65 and over. MAPgroup members, in conjunction with
the Shire of Murrindindi, undertook a project Beyond Age to record this particular aspect.
When the photographers started approaching some of these people, seeking their
portraits and stories, a pattern often unfolded: reserve gave way to hospitality and caution
became candour. Some who were slow to start were even slower to stop.
All of the photographers who were involved in this project were privileged to meet
these people, take their portraits, and listen to what they had to say.
CURRENT STATUS
The exhibition is
in storage at the
Murrindindi Shire.
FUTURE PLANS
No current plans to
show this exhibition.
CONTACT
Susan Gordon‑Brown
Beyond Age toured from May 2010 – September 2011.
Reginal Victoria – Kinglake; Yea; Strath Creek; Alexandra,
Taggerty; Marysville; Ballarat International Foto Biennale
– Ballarat Library.
Melbourne – World Trade Centre; Victorian Seniors Festival
– 1 Spring Street.
PROJECTS PAST, PRESENT
AND FUTURE
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WONT HAGGI
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WONT HAGGI
MAPping Wonthaggi is part of MAPgroup’s ongoing Single Town Project which
involved MAP members visiting a regional town to record their impressions.
MAP has documented Ararat, St Arnaud, Ballarat, and Hay in NSW. The locations
have mainly been in north and central Victoria. When the subject arose for the choice
for a town, Brian Carr suggested Wonthaggi, partly because he knew the area well,
and partly because it was in Gippsland which had not been visited by MAP.
The proposal was to visit Wonthaggi and surrounding areas over two weekends,
one in early August, and at the end of September (sacrilege indeed on the Grand
Final weekend). Due to the kindness of Denise Miller, a wonderful Wonthaggi resident,
MAP had accommodation for as many who needed it.
Some photographers had specific projects they wanted to do, others just went there
to see what it was like and react photographically, (Jim McFarlane did an amazing
‘hit and run’ in the rain which resulted with some remarkable b&w flash images).
The result was a collection of over 300 images. An exhibition is planned for later
this year at the Union Theatre in Wonthaggi. The exhibition is to be curated by
Marita Smith, a gallery owner and ex-NGV curator with knowledge of the South
Gippsland region. Eventually the prints from the exhibition will be donated to the
Bass Shire for their archives.Photo: Jaime Murcia
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WONTHAGGI
3‑year‑old Jackson keeps a close eye on the Cally hotel. Wonthaggi.
Photo: Julie Bowyer
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Third generation dairy farmer, Ian Hitchings.
Photo: Julie Bowyer
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WONTHAGGI
Goal umpire signals a point during the Wonthaggi vs Traralgon first ‘Heritage’ footy match.
Photo: Brian Carr
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MAPping Wonthaggi
Photo: Brian Carr
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WONTHAGGI
Dairy cow at McRae’s farm near Wonthaggi.
Photo: Andrew Chapman
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North of Dalyston looking across the ranges.
Photo: Andrew Chapman
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WONTHAGGI
15‑year‑old motocross rider Andy Dinicol at the Wonthaggi MX track during the annual KTM Ride 4 Kids day which raises funds for charity.
Photo: Joseph Feil
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A statue of a horse overlooks Bilson Street, Wonthaggi.
Photo: Joseph Feil
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WONTHAGGI
Gloria Dwyer, Lilliana Rokvic, Jean Barbour, volunteers at the Vinnies Op Shop, Wonthaggi.
Photo: Silvi Glattauer
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Patricia Worroll, volunteer in the Rose Lodge Op Shop, Wonthaggi.
Photo: Silvi Glattauer
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WONTHAGGI
Lyn Chambers, 94. Member of the Wonthaggi Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary, co‑author with her husband Joe of several books on the history of Wonthaggi.
Photo: Susan Gordon-Brown
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Vic Wood. Volunteer at the information centre, SES and teaches astro physics and astronomy at the U3A.
Photo: Susan Gordon-Brown
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WONTHAGGI
State Coal Mine, Wonthaggi. Caretaker’s cottage.
Photo: Ponch Hawkes
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Wonthaggi Rock & Learn to be a Popstar School.
Photo: Ponch Hawkes
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WONTHAGGI
MAPping Wonthaggi
Photo: Naomi Herzog
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MAPping Wonthaggi
Photo: Naomi Herzog
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WONTHAGGI
MAPping Wonthaggi
Photo: Helga Leunig
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MAPping Wonthaggi
Photo: Helga Leunig
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WONTHAGGI
Will Yarley, apprentice at the Wonthaggi Meat Supply.
Photo: Brent Lukey
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Haydn and Blayke Sheean play with dolls heads at the hairdresser.
Photo: Brent Lukey
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WONTHAGGI
MAPping Wonthaggi
Photo: Morganna Magee
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MAPping Wonthaggi
Photo: Morganna Magee
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WONTHAGGI
Inverloch beach
Photo: Nicole Marie
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Inverloch beach
Photo: Nicole Marie
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WONTHAGGI
MAPping Wonthaggi
Photo: Jim McFarlane
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MAPping Wonthaggi
Photo: Jim McFarlane
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WONTHAGGI
Saturday afternoon, main bar at the Royal Mail Hotel, Archies Creek, VIC.
Photo: Jaime Murcia
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Second hand exchange book shop.
Photo: Jaime Murcia
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WONTHAGGI
Fr. Manny Lomagno talks with a parishioner.
Photo: Francis Reiss
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Wonthaggi Dog Obedience Club.
Photo: Francis Reiss
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WONTHAGGI
Kilcunda Oceanview Holiday Retreat, Kilcunda, VIC.
Photo: Krystal Seigerman
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Sydney Swans supporter, Lilly, on Grand Final Day, Graham Street, Wonthaggi.
Photo: Krystal Seigerman
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WONTHAGGI
MAPping Wonthaggi
Photo: Ellen Smith
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MAPping Wonthaggi
Photo: Ellen Smith
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WONTHAGGI
MAPping Wonthaggi
Photo: Tobias Titz
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MAPping Wonthaggi
Photo: Tobias Titz
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WO
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AG
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Julie Bowyerjabphotographics.com.au
Joseph Feiljosephfeil.com
Ponch [email protected]
Brent Lukeybrentlukey.com.au
Jim McFarlanejimmcfarlanephotographer.com
Krystal Seigermankrystalseigerman.com.au
Brian Carrbriancarrphoto.com
Silvi Glattauersilvi.com.au
Naomi [email protected]
Morganna Mageemnmphotography.com.au
Jaime Murciajaimemurcia.com
Ellen [email protected]
Andrew Chapmanbigcheez.com.au
Susan Gordon-Brownsusangordonbrown.com.au
Helga [email protected]
Nicole Marienicolemarie.com.au
Francis [email protected]
Tobias Titztobiastitz.com
En
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Old telephone exchange, McKenzie Street, Wonthaggi.
Photo: Krystal Seigerman
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IN DEVELOPMENT
ASBESTOS Asbestos was considered the ‘miracle fibre of the
20th century’ and Australians were certainly seduced by
its favourable properties. Worldwide, Australians were the
highest consumers per capita of asbestos products before
many of these products were banned in the 1980s. Many
of us would not know how to identify the asbestos sheeting
in the bathroom, the insulating rope in the fire‑place, or the
super‑six sheeting on the roof of the shed!
The Asbestos Project seeks to improve public awareness
and education regarding asbestos. It is the current focus
for MAPgroup and seeks to document the social and
environmental legacy from this protracted affair with asbestos.
We believe asbestos will have long‑term and far‑reaching
consequences in our community and is a multi‑faceted story
worthy of documentation for national archival purposes, public
information and education, and for the benefit of Australians
affected by asbestos. If you would like to participate, or you
have a story to share with us, we would love to talk with you.
PROJECT COMMENCED
January 2012
CONTACT
Julie Bowyer
0407 821 383
mapgroup.org.au
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Julie Bowyer
Rodney Dekker
Alan Attwood
Krystal Seigerman
Susan Gordon‑Brown
Tobias Titz
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IN DEVELOPMENT
PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN PARTICIPATING
Jaime Murcia
Andrew Chapman
Brian Carr
Brent Lukey
Joseph Feil
Ponch Hawkes
Margie McClelland
Julie Millowick
Francis Reiss
Douglas HendersonPleuropulmonary pathologist. 2012.
Photo: Alan Attwood
Opposite Laurie Appleby Instrumental in making changes to the Limitations Act. Enabling families to claim against asbestos companies.
Photo: Julie Bowyer
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IN DEVELOPMENT ASBESTOS
A fading sign for James Hardie tyres on Parramatta Road. NSW.
Photo: Krystal Seigerman
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Video stills from Goliath.
Images: Rodney Dekker
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IN DEVELOPMENT ASBESTOS
Peter, resident in Wittenoom, WA.
Photo: Tobias Titz
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Matt Peacock, ABC journalist and author of Killer Company, on set during filming of Devil’s Dust. Sydney, NSW. 2012.
Photo: Susan Gordon-Brown
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IN FOCUS
Tobias Titz is an award-winning photographer based in Melbourne.
His work has been extensively exhibited in Australia and Germany.
Tobias has worked with Indigenous communities in the Pilbara, Arnhem Land
and Victoria for several years. Photographic work from these interactions is held
in the Museum of Australian Democracy in Old Parliament House, Canberra.
He has won the Polaroid Photography Award in 2000, the Head On Photography
Prize in 2008 and the Moran Contemporary Photography Prize in 2012.
Tobias is also lecturing in photography at Monash University.
Group of Nyangumarta boys at native title determination. Nyiyamarri Pukurl (80 Mile Beach), WA. June 2009.
Photo: Tobias Titz
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IN FOCUS TOBIAS TITZwww.tobiastitz.com
Noel CharlieMoran Contemporary Photographic Prize 2012.
Photo: Tobias Titz
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IN FOCUS TOBIAS TITZ
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Nathaniel and Neville TaylorParnngurr, WA. 2012.
Photo: Tobias Titz
Nyarri Morgan Martumili Artist. WA. 2009.
Photo: Tobias Titz
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MAPOF
F T
HE
From MAPping Wonthaggi
Rona Blsck sells Purple at Kongwak Market. She wants to colour your world.
Photo: Andrew Chapman
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President: Jaime Murcia
jaimemurcia.com
Vice President: Julie Bowyer
jabphotographics.com.au
Secretary: Brent Lukey
brentlukey.com.au
Treasurer: Joseph Feil
josephfeil.com
Fundraising/Sponsorship:
Susan Gordon-Brown
susangordonbrown.com.au
Rodney Dekker
rodneydekker.com
Michael Silver
photonet.com.au
General enquiries: [email protected]
MAP Group Inc. 93 Howard Street, North Melbourne, VIC 3051
mapgroup.org.auFor membership of MAPgroup, check website for details.
To contact individual photographers about their images,
please use the contact details on the Members page
on the website.
Contact
On the MAP is published for MAPgroup by Anna Wolf.
All text and images – Copyright MAP Group Inc. 2013.
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