On The Map 1 mar 2013

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MAPMANY

AUSTRALIANPHOTOGRAPHERS

GROUP

MARCH 2013O

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VOL 1. ISSUE 1

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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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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

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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

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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


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.


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.


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North of Dalyston looking across the ranges.


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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.


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Vic Wood. Volunteer at the information centre, SES and teaches astro physics and astronomy at the U3A.


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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.


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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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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

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Old telephone exchange, McKenzie Street, Wonthaggi.


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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.


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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.


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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

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From MAPping Wonthaggi

Rona Blsck sells Purple at Kongwak Market. She wants to colour your world.


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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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On The Map 1 mar 2013

Documents

projects past

past projects

established photographers

project collaborations

ongoing project

documentation of social

independent documentation

single town project