Head On to photo festival across the city

Images of rolling thunderstorms, coloured Diggers and a modern take on the Dutch Masters paintings are just some of the powerful photographs on display across the city as part of the Head On Photo Festival 2016.

The City of Sydney is hosting exhibitions showcasing images of other cultures, places and histories by award-winning photographers at locations, including Customs House, Town Hall, Redfern Community Centre, Paddington Reservoir Gardens and Central Park, from 29 April to 29 May.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the free exhibitions were a stunning example of the creativity on show at one of the world’s leading photography festivals.

“The City is proud to host these exhibitions across our city, with images that challenge, delight and inspire locals and visitors alike,” said the Lord Mayor.

“The festival showcases Sydney as an artistic centre and highlights the incredible talent we have in our community.

“With a fantastic range and diversity, this month-long festival offers something for people of all ages and interests.”

This year’s Head On Photo Festival program features more than 150 exhibitions, with the majority on display in the City of Sydney area.

Some of the exhibitions include:

TOWN HALL

Fairfax Group Show – The Weather 30 Apr – 8 May Sydney Lower Town Hall 

A selection of images by Fairfax photographers who have captured some of the most destructive and striking weather patterns across Australia – from frost-covered fields and parched earth in the outback, to a huge storm rolling over the ocean and firefighters in the middle of a bushfire.

Paolo Marchetti – The Price of Vanity 30 Apr – 8 May Sydney Lower Town Hall

The Price of Vanity documents how intensive farming operates across Asian and European countries to produce animal skins destined for the worldwide fashion market. Marchetti’s compelling images reveal the extermination of animals destined for a “beautiful” end.

Raphaela Rosella – You'll Know It When You Feel It 30 Apr – 8 May Sydney Lower Town Hall

The exhibition is a glimpse into the experiences of young Australian women and their families who have faced poverty, racism, violence and addiction. You'll Know It When You Feel is part of an ongoing project reflecting the loss, hope, vulnerability and resilience experienced by women growing up in socially disadvantaged communities.

Andrea & Magda – Palestinian Dream 30 Apr – 8 May 

Palestinian Dream shows the effects of globalisation on society, economy and territory in the Middle East.

CUSTOMS HOUSE

Hendrik Kerstens, Erwin OlafDutch Masters of Light, Capturing Light and Shade 17 Mar – 29 May

Dutch Masters of Light brings the famous Dutch light to life through contemporary portraits and landscapes. Inspired by the great Renaissance tradition of manipulating light and shade, Dutch Masters of Light reinterprets the style of celebrated Dutch artists including Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer in a striking series of portraits by contemporary photographers, Hendrik Kerstens and Erwin Olaf.

Catherine Leutenegger – Kodak City 28 Apr – 5 Jun

Kodak which was established in 1888 by George Eastman, who revolutionised photography and founded the photographic industry. By 2012, however, Kodak was bankrupt and the digital revolution began taking over. Kodak City documents the decline of the company and the impact on its headquarters in Rochester.

REDFERN COMMUNITY CENTRE

Serving Country – Belinda Mason and Dieter Knierim 25 Apr – 12 June

A portrait exhibition, telling remarkable stories of a century of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and women.

Serving Country exposes the real experiences of many generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and individuals who have proudly served and continue to serve in Australia’s Defence Force. The exhibition serves as a platform for sharing of stories, both inspiring and devastating.

PADDINGTON RESERVOIR GARDENS

Call of the Wild – Andrew Peacock 29 Apr – 31 May

Captured at various mountains and remote regions around the world, Call of the Wild showcases the difference in scales between humans and the vastness of the surrounding landscape.

CENTRAL PARK – FESTIVAL HUB CENTRAL

Robin Schwartz – Amelia and The Animals 30 Apr – 8 May

A breathtaking portrait stretching over eleven years, featuring Robin’s daughter Amelia, with all types of animals from elephants and exotic birds to tiger cubs and bats.

For more information and the complete Head On Photo Festival program go to headon.com.au 

For media inquiries: City of Sydney Senior Publicist Elaine Kelly 0477 362 550 or [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore: Paul Mackay 0432 182 647 or email [email protected]

For Head On Photo Festival media inquiries: Matt Fraser 0401 326 007 or [email protected]