Photography Exhibiton

Saturday 22-09-2012

We awoke on Saturday, rested and ready for the day of exhibitions and presentations that lay ahead of us. Matt and I found Hardy and Giles and had some breakfast before heading off in search of all things artistic and wonderful. Being one of the biggest festivals, there was photography work hanging just about anywhere you could imagine. Pictures hung on gallery walls, in courtyards, on wire fences, and some special artwork got the privilege of being placed on easels low to the ground. Set right at the perfect height for small children’s hands. Running their grubby hands across the vibrant matte prints. Like nails on a blackboard. 

A British rock photography exhibition caught my fancy, with photographs of all the music greats shot by all of the photography greats. At this point a stark contrast should be noted between the polished pieces of work and the landscape that surrounded us. The exhibitions were held within an old Cotton mill factory, as well as a Diesel factory. A few times I nearly fell right through the make shift floor of wooden pieces all placed together. OHS would snap that right up in Melbourne. But then again, they lack the sense of adventure China has many times proved to possess.

Matt, Giles and I spent the afternoon in photo reviews. With a translator at hand, we sat and reviewed artwork of exhibiting artists in a hall of people. It was interesting to hear other groups reviews of images, and the way in which their culture impacted their opinions in a way so varied to us. After dinner at Cozy bar, Matt was involved in the evening presentation, and presented his work to a number of people in an outdoor setting. Despite his nervous bought of fight-flight throughout the day, the presentation went very well and got positive feedback. After a long day, we retreated back to Cozy bar with the artists and curators for a night of drinks and conversation.