New Light: Photography Now + Then exhibition at the Museum of Brisbane (MoB) curates a fascinating spectrum of past and present photography, drawing on its most prolific historic archive, the Elliott Collection, juxtaposed with fresh takes from contemporary local image-makers.
The Elliott Collection collates the work of amateur photographer Alfred Henrie Elliott (1870 – 1954) whose black-and-white imagery capturing a bygone era of Brisbane lay dormant for decades until discovered preserved in cedar cigar boxes under a Red Hill residence in 1983. Donated to the City of Brisbane Collection, these photographs are one of the most significant collections of historical images of Brisbane.
Seven Brisbane visual creatives, Marian Drew, Jo-Anne Driessens, Joachim Froese, Tammy Law, Carl Warner, Nina White and Keemon Williams, will reframe Elliott’s singular gaze within their diverse perspectives and experiences.
Exhibition Curator Elena Dias-Jayasinha says New Light: Photography Now + Then offers an exciting opportunity to reexamine one of the Museum of Brisbane’s most significant historic photography archives through the lens of local visionaries. “By layering their own perspectives, knowledge and experiences onto the collection, the artists will encourage new ways of looking at our past, our present and this place,” she said.
In addition to the archival Elliott Collection and new commissioned works, MoB will display an array of black-and-white photographic submissions sourced from the public during a community callout earlier this year, further shaping the storytelling perspectives.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says the exhibition captures Brisbane’s evolution across 134 years with imagery that helps locals and visitors see a different side of Brisbane. “New Light: Photography Now + Then provides a collection of snapshots from Brisbane’s past and exciting new works from current creatives – all of which tell the story of our city,” he said. “The latest exhibition at Museum of Brisbane captures the many intriguing ways we view ourselves and our city, and is a fantastic free exhibit for all to enjoy.
“I encourage visitors and residents to plan your trip to City Hall and learn more about our city’s past and present, as we continue to make our lifestyle better,” Cr Schrinner said.
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