In his effort to conserve the history of an old nation, Master
Photographer Glen Campbell gives us a lesson about a different kind
of storytelling: Psycho Geography. By Joshua Florendo.
A veil of darkness descends upon the antiquated ruins as
people start to enter the venue. Glen Campbell's exhibit is set upon the remnants of
an old town hall in the Northern Territory’s CBD – its archaic presence
brims with history.
On its walls hang photographs of different places, each composed carefully and taken with precision.
A humble yet respectable-looking man, wearing a light blue polo shirt matched with jeans and sandals, steps onto the scene. His face is framed with nerdy-looking glasses, giving him an aura of wisdom.
On its walls hang photographs of different places, each composed carefully and taken with precision.
A humble yet respectable-looking man, wearing a light blue polo shirt matched with jeans and sandals, steps onto the scene. His face is framed with nerdy-looking glasses, giving him an aura of wisdom.
Glen: This exhibit is all about the old history of a very new place. History is very important, all the bits and pieces. Australia is not a country that values its history and I like to think that I’m trying to change that.
Our history, as a European-settled country, is very, very short: just over 200 years old. But the continent and its people has a much much older history than that. So we’re trying to get people to gain a sense of ‘their story’ and ‘their history’... There are pictures here that show locations people know, and they come up to me and say, “My dad used to work on that station,” or “My mum used to work there.” Everyone who grew up in the Northern Territory, or who passed through the Northern Territory, has a story about every single one of these places. That’s what this is about.
Josh: Why travel photography?
Glen: It’s not travel photography, it’s 'Psycho Geography'.
Josh: What is 'Psycho Geography' all about?
Glen: It’s the geography of the mind, of
existence and of [our] country’s story. It’s the story of a
place.... I’m sick of people. I’ve been a photojournalist for
20 years and I’m sick of people. I’d like to spend time out in the bush by
myself.
Josh: What tips would you share with future photographers?
Glen: Don’t get boring. It’s always been hard [to make it] and don’t
let anyone tell you differently. Remember, photography is a bit of a fever.
Josh: Any plans for
the future?
Glen: Yeah mate, always. We’re working on a project to do
with the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings; I have made
two trips to Turkey already this year to take photographs.
When
Thu 8–Sun 25 Aug
Nightly from sundown
Where
Old Town
Hall Ruins
Tickets
Free
Tickets
Free
0 comments:
Post a Comment