A NEW photography gallery in North Geelong is preparing to showcase 150 compelling images taken from the fields of war to the Invictus Games.<\/p>\n
Having recently presented works captured by 20 of Australia\u2019s biggest names in photojournalism, Focal Point Darkroom and Gallery\u2019s latest exhibition, \u201cCourage\u201d, has been thoughtfully curated to pay tribute to the nation\u2019s serving men and women, both past and present.<\/p>\n
Gallery owner Craig Watson said the idea came about after he met Iraq war veteran and photographer Gordon Traill at a Bellarine Camera Club meeting in Drysdale a few months ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cI found out that although he (Gordon Traill) had only been photographing for a few years, he had been the lead photographer on a book about the Victoria Cross titled The Victoria Cross – Australia Remembers, and that he was going to Sydney to photograph the Invictus Games,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
A photographer himself, Watson contemplated tying the images together in a shared exhibition space.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne thing led to another and the concept grew to be a commemoration of all Australia’s service men and women, particularly to honour those who were wounded or killed, and to showcase the Invictus Games and the people who show such fortitude to compete,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
A visual homage to the members of Australia\u2019s defence forces and their sacrifices, the exhibition will also honour the brave artists behind the lens. Through Gordon\u2019s contacts and with help from journalist Ross Coulthart and Kerry Stokes,
\n\u201cCourage\u201d will feature images from the Lost Diggers exhibition, which include extraordinary takes from the First World War.<\/p>\n
Opening this Friday, April 5, \u201cCourage\u201d will be open until April 28, including Anzac Day afternoon (Thursday, April 25).<\/p>\n
On Anzac Day Eve, publishing group Big Sky Publishing will launch \u201cUnconquered \u2013 our wounded warriors\u201d, a book on the Invictus Games which features many of Gordon\u2019s powerful photos. Copies of the book will be available until the exhibition closes.<\/p>\n