Melbourne’s RMIT Gallery is set to host Auto-Photo: A Life in Portraits, an exhibition running from 5 June to 16 August 2025, celebrating the remarkable life and work of the late Alan Adler. Known as Australia’s most photographed man, Adler’s dedication to photobooths has left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural landscape.
For over five decades, beginning in 1972, Adler maintained a network of photobooths across Melbourne/Naarm, most notably the iconic booth near Flinders Street Station. His routine maintenance involved producing test strips to ensure optimal functionality, resulting in an extensive archive of self-portraits that chronicle both his personal journey and the evolution of the city around him. Through his efforts, Adler facilitated photographic experiences for over a million individuals, embedding photobooths into Melbourne’s urban fabric.
Curated by the Centre for Contemporary Photography (CCP) in partnership with RMIT Gallery, the exhibition delves into Adler’s vast collection of self-portraits, offering a unique perspective on his life’s work. Beyond showcasing Adler’s images, the exhibition explores the history and cultural significance of photobooths, highlighting their role in personal expression and urban culture. It also features contributions from artists and collectors such as Katherine Griffiths, Mark Holsworth, Kyle Archie Knight, Ruth O’Leary, Nicky Makin, Brian Meacham, Metro Auto Photo, Patrick Pound, and Joshua Smith, who have been influenced by or have preserved Adler’s legacy.
In conjunction with the exhibition, a photobook titled Auto-Photo: A Life in Portraits has been co-published by Perimeter Editions and the CCP. This publication features hundreds of Adler’s self-portraits from the 1970s onwards, accompanied by essays from Patrick Pound, Catlin Langford, and Daniel Boetker-Smith, as well as an interview with Adler himself. The book serves as a testament to Adler’s enduring influence and his unique contribution to the art of photography.
Auto-Photo: A Life in Portraits not only commemorates Alan Adler’s dedication but also invites visitors to reflect on the broader implications of photobooths in documenting human experience. By presenting Adler’s extensive archive alongside contemporary works, the exhibition underscores the enduring allure of photobooths and their capacity to capture the ephemeral moments that define our lives.
This exhibition is a must-see for photography enthusiasts and those interested in Melbourne’s rich cultural history. It offers a poignant look at how a simple machine, under the stewardship of a devoted individual, can become a significant cultural artifact, preserving countless stories within its small frame.
Event Details
Auto-Photo: A Life in Portraits
RMIT Gallery, 344 Swanston Street, Melbourne/Narrm
5 June – 16 August 2025
Monday–Friday: 11am – 5pm | Saturday: 12pm – 4pm | Closed Sundays and public holidays
Free admission
rmitgallery.com
