Photography exhibition looks for Bellarine venue

A BELLARINE-based photographer with more than seven years’ experience in the disability sector is providing a rare opportunity for local galleries to feature works over a decade in the making.

Ocean Grove photographer Tim Henshall has put the word out to Bellarine galleries, both public and private, to temporarily host his Look Me In The Eye photography series, further celebrating diversity and inclusion across the region.

The series has been in the works since 2010 and involves 30 photographs in total, highlighting 10 local individuals all living with a disability or impairment.

In order, viewers observe 10 participants in Ned Kelly-style eye slot form, before viewing the participants in black and white portrait mode, then lastly viewing the participants in a “hero shot” doing something they love.

“The series is quite straight-forward in some ways, but it’s main aim is to try and break down barriers and make people realise everyone has a lot in common, even people living with a disability,” Mr Henshall said.

“While that is the main aim of this project, it is very multi-pronged, I have photographed a range of people in an effort to highlight that while we may look different, we all have very similar basic needs, wants, and loves.

“We may have a label applied to us by others, but it should not define who we are.”

Mr Henshall said the series, which facilitates community conversation and learning of people living with a disability, is available for exhibition free of charge throughout the rest of the year and has already been booked by galleries for some of 2024.

Now on display at the Colac Library for the next month, the series will be featured within the Geelong Library from mid-November until at least Christmas, leaving an availability window open from May to October.

The series has already featured as part of the Ballarat Foto Biennale and has been on display at genU in Geelong.

Mr Henshall said he was in discussion with the Barwon Heads Arts Hub and was hopeful the series can be featured in this year’s Bellarine Arts Trail on November 2-3.

“Any galleries on the Bellarine who are interested in hosting the series is absolutely welcome to get in touch, the more this series can get out there and interact with the community, the better.

“To me, good art challenges the viewer, makes them think, and poses questions. It may also be beautiful but does not necessarily need to be.”

Local galleries and venues can enquire about the series by contacting Mr Henshall via email at [email protected] or at his website timhenshallphotography.com.