New Light: Photography Now + Then, an exhibition currently on at Museum of Brisbane, features contemporary responses to one of the most significant photographic archives held by the Museum. The Elliott Collection comprises hundreds of photographs largely attributed to amateur photographer, Alfred Elliott (1870-1954). Traversing a variety of subjects, these photographs capture Brisbane over 50 years from 1890 to 1940.
As part of New Light, members of Brisbane’s photography community were invited to respond to the Elliott Collection. Photographers of all levels were encouraged to study the photographs Elliott took of Brisbane’s urban landscape and consider his use of subject, composition and light. They were then invited to hit the streets and capture their own photograph of Brisbane’s built environment. There were few restrictions, only that their photograph had to be black and white and landscape in orientation.
Sixty-eight photographs were chosen to be part of Viewfinders. This display looks beyond Elliott’s singular vision of Brisbane, reflecting the myriad ways in which people understand and experience the city. Many of the photographs draw attention to unseen or overlooked details of Brisbane’s urban landscape. Others shed new light on iconic buildings and structures. As a whole, the photographs reveal the extent to which the city has changed over the past century. From intimate close-ups to breathtaking wide shots, Viewfinders highlights the incredible talent and diversity of Brisbane’s photography community.
