Perfect shot in new Backspace exhibit

WITH the recent reopening of the Ballarat Art Gallery comes a new exhibition in the site’s Backspace Gallery showing a series of photographs from taken by members of the Ballarat Camera Club.

Titled The photographer’s eye: interpreting light, all the displayed photographs seek to reflect various aspects of the different role light plays in the art form.

Club treasurer Betty Bibby said since 1938, the club has been a place for photographers to connect and this exhibition is a great way to bring the talents of its members to wider audiences.

“We had the opportunity through Backspace to put in an application to show everyone what we do at Camera Club and the

variety of artists that we have,” she said.

“Out of our 46 members and we have 18 members involved here, some of them have two and some have thee photos.

“We asked members who wanted to be involved and the Art Gallery told us how many they could fit and then we had extra space, offering the chance for more images to be displayed.”

While it’s not the club’s first time displayed at the Gallery, vice-president Rebecca Nicolandos said after the year they’ve had, it’s exciting to still have the opportunity to show their work.

“The concept is about interpreting light, all photographer interpret light differently and with this exhibition, we get to see how every photographer sees photographs in their own unique way which is interesting considering the diverse ages and backgrounds and camera gear,” she said.

“Some of these people haven’t displayed a photo publically and to them it’s so exciting, to feel that they’ve achieved something and that they’re photos are interesting.”

Funded by the City of Ballarat, Gallery Director Louise Tegart said that the Backspace Gallery is dedicated to showcasing quality contemporary visual art, craft and design by emerging and early career artists in and around Ballarat.

“The Backspace project aims to showcase the City of Ballarat’s commitment to a creative city by encouraging the development of innovative arts practice in Ballarat and across the Central Highlands,” she said.

“It provides an opportunity for emerging and early career artists and curators to hold exhibitions in a professionally supported and promoted gallery space.

“It is a key part of our mission to tell Ballarat stories and to showcase what is happening now in this community. We welcome the opportunity to show the work of community photographers.”

The photographer’s eye: interpreting light runs at Backspace Gallery until 3 January.