When we think of contemporary photography in Australia, we often picture sweeping landscapes or the flawless portrait. Yet, these conventions have been turned on their head in the de-centre re-centre exhibition, which opens the 2025 season at the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery (LWAG). In partnership with the Perth Centre for Photography (PCP) and the Perth Festival, de-centre re-centre seeks to expose the strength and diversity of Australian photography, focusing on themes of identity, belonging, and resistance in marginalized communities.
de-centre re-centre is far from a typical showcase. The exhibition pushes the boundaries of portraiture and landscape photography, embracing the political potential of the medium to give voice to often overlooked communities—First Nations, diasporic, and queer identities. Featured artists such as Brenda L. Croft, Taloi Havini, Gerwyn Davies, Amos Gebhardt, Tace Stevens, and Nuriah Jadai disrupt the conventions of traditional photography to explore nuanced representations of place, identity, and survival.
Theo Costantino, Director of LWAG, articulates the heart of the exhibition: “de-centre re-centre explores the survival and connectedness of communities despite the marginalizing forces that seek to erase or diminish them. The artists in the exhibition employ photographic media in a variety of ways, but they share common threads: a deep engagement with place, identity, and belonging, and the use of photography to challenge dynamics of visibility and power.”
This assertion of presence, paired with the careful navigation of visibility and representation, is central to understanding the exhibition’s intention. The artists ask not only what it means to be seen but also how their subjects are made central in the conversation about Australia’s complex cultural landscape.
Exploring the Power of Photography
The exhibition includes significant works such as Fragility by Naomi Hobson and Rabbit God by Scotty So, each taking an intimate look at the forces shaping their subjects’ lives. Simryn Gill’s Forest, an immersive series of sixteen silver gelatin prints, creates a powerful dialogue about environment and memory, forming part of the University of Western Australia Art Collection. Her work, rooted in the Australian landscape, acts as both a metaphor and a reflection on the intricacies of belonging.
Additionally, the exhibition features The Community Reading Room by Torika Bolatagici, a participatory project that challenges the exclusion of people of color from institutional spaces. Born out of the frustrations of a monocultural art curriculum, this project seeks to offer a refuge and a critical reflection space, providing access to a curated library of books by First Nations, Black, and global Indigenous writers and artists. It’s a protest against erasure, a direct challenge to the lack of representation in higher education and museums, and an act of self-determination.
Engagement with the Public
In keeping with its inclusive ethos, de-centre re-centre is not just an exhibition to view but an opportunity to engage with. A public program featuring artist talks and events will deepen visitors’ understanding of the works and the processes behind them. One such event is the opening night on Friday, February 14, from 6-8pm, where visitors can meet the artists and be among the first to experience the exhibition.
The exhibition is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 11am to 4pm, with free admission.
Event Highlights:
- Exhibition Opening: Friday, February 14, 2025, 6–8pm
- Exhibition Dates: February 15 – May 3, 2025
- Gallery Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11am – 4pm
- Admission: Free
This exhibition is an invitation to witness the complexity and beauty of Australian photography as seen through the lens of those who have long been marginalized. It celebrates the resilience, visibility, and power of diverse communities and their stories, telling a story of survival, resistance, and transformation.
For more details, visit the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery website.
