PHOTO 2022: Being Human

The world-class photography biennale PHOTO 2022 International Festival of Photography, exhibiting from April 29–May 22 in Melbourne and across regional Victoria has now launched, presenting the theme Being Human.

Produced by Photo Australia in collaboration with cultural institutions, museums, galleries, and universities in Melbourne and across regional Victoria, the biennale presents the most inspiring new photography, art and ideas from Australia and around the world. 

Now in its second edition, PHOTO 2022 honours 123 local and international artists and photographers across 90 exhibitions, with 50 world premieres including 24 specially commissioned projects, and a new Icons strand featuring globally-renowned artists Cindy Sherman and Helmut Newton.

Designed as a festival of exploration, PHOTO 2022 continues to encourage the public to engage with and think about photography and visual culture in new and inspiring ways, through ambitious large-scale outdoor commissions at unexpected sites across Melbourne, expertly curated exhibitions of contemporary photography, thought-provoking events, and education programs. 

Audiences will be able to explore photography by some of the most acclaimed artists from around the world, with exclusive Australian exhibitions by Gillian Wearing (UK), Paul Mpagi Sepuya (US), Mohamed Bourouissa (Algeria/France), Poulomi Basu (India), Vasantha Yogananthan (France), Aziz Hazara (Afghanistan), Martine Gutierrez (US), Massimo Vitali (Italy), Florian Hetz (Germany), Philip Montgomery (Mexico/US) and Luo Yang (China), amongst others; as well as new commissions by renowned and up and coming Australian artists such as Atong Atem, Naomi Hobson, Dean Cross, Ying Ang, Hannah Brontë, Scotty So, Madeline Bishop, Anu Kumar and Patrick Pound. 

Other highlights include large-scale lightboxes along Southbank Promenade; a photography and sound installation by Bidjara artist Christian Thompson in the former courtyard of the Old Melbourne Gaol; Jenny Lewis’ epic documentation of a community from the ages of 0 to 100 exhibited across over 100 metres of Metro Tunnel construction hoarding; the first exhibition of Hoda Afshar’s critically-acclaimed project Speak the wind at Monash Gallery of Art; exhibitions by local and international queer photographers at the Centre for Contemporary Photography, Parliament Gardens and Prahran Square; the world premiere of Ross McDonnell’s project made in collaboration with the ‘Lost Boys of Afghanistan’; portraits of Kulin Nation Elders by James Henry displayed on the steps of Old Treasury Building; and New Photographers, PHOTO 2022’s showcase of emerging talent.

Alongside the extensive contemporary program, two icons of photography will be honoured at PHOTO 2022. Presented by the Jewish Museum of Australia: Gandel Centre of Judaica in partnership with the Helmet Newton Foundation is HELMUT: In Focus that will reveal the extraordinary life of one of the most prominent and provocative fashion photographers of all time: Helmut Newton; and influential American artist Cindy Sherman will be celebrated with the festival’s largest individual artwork to date installed on an iconic Melbourne building, in partnership with the Naomi Milgrom Foundation. 

“Melbourne is famous for its culture, cuisine and fashion. Now, through PHOTO 2022, Melbourne’s role as a capital of photography can also be acknowledged,” said Artistic Director Elias Redstone. 

“We are proud to be operating at the forefront of contemporary photographic practice, supporting artists by commissioning new work that celebrates the excellence and diversity of the sector, and presenting exclusive exhibitions by some of the most revered international artists” said Artistic Director Elias Redstone. 

Victorian State Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson said, “Photography has a unique ability to deliver us into new worlds and this year’s festival will showcase some of the most captivating international and Australian talent.”

“Whether you’re walking by the State Library or past Parliament, strolling through Southbank or at one of the many regional creative venues on the roster, there will be something to stop you in your tracks,” said Minister Danny Pearson.

Designed as a festival of exploration, PHOTO 2022 is focused on five Festival Precincts for people to explore: Town Hall Precinct, Parliament Precinct, River Precinct, State Library Precinct, and Fitzroy/Collingwood, as well as venues throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. 

Entry to PHOTO 2022 is free, excluding the HELMUT NEWTON. PHOTO 2022 is presented by Photo Australia in collaboration with cultural, education, industry and government partners.

Visit photo.org.au to explore the program.