Through the lens of Australian and international photographers who see the world in unconventional ways and in unpredictable circumstances, the 2019 ‘Ballarat International Foto Biennale’ (BIFB), this year takes a deep dive into the world of human behaviour and human intervention across 30 exhibitions, 70 open programs, contemporary video, special events and public programs, indoors and out until 20 October.
Liu Bolin, Illegal Taxi Driver, 2007. Courtesy the artist, Liu Bolin Art Studio, China and Ballarat International Foto Biennale, Victoria
Core exhibition highlights include ‘Camouflage’ by photographer, performer and social activist Liu Bolin whose images need a second look to make out the meticulously painted human bodies hidden within the works – often his own. Indigenous artist Dr Fiona Foley’s mid-career retrospective ‘Who are these strangers and where are they going?’ celebrates 30 years of her arts practice with a display of key photographic works and a new musical soundscape. The 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing is commemorated in ‘To The Moon and Back’ with works by a group of international artists. Documentary photographers Lauren Greenfield (US) and Vanessa Winship (UK) transform the city into an open-air gallery for ‘Give Us This Day’ and ‘Capital’ explores photography as a way to reflect on systems of value and exchange in contemporary Indigenous and settler cultures by 13 national and international artists. BIFB includes the Martin Kantor Portrait Prize and the inaugural Alane Fineman New Photography Award. To explore the entire program visit the BIFB website.
