In a quiet basement of a new building on the corner of High Street and Thomas Street in Melbourne’s inner-south-eastern suburb of Prahran, a revolution in Australian photography began in 1968. For more than a decade, this unassuming space at the Prahran Technical School, later known as Prahran College of Advanced Education, nurtured the minds of a generation of Australian photographers who would go on to redefine the landscape of art photography in the country.
“The basement: photography from Prahran College (1968–1981)” is a landmark exhibition that brings to light this pivotal moment in Australia’s artistic history. Set to run from March 1 to May 25, 2025, the exhibition provides a comprehensive look into the creative ferment that took place in the basement, where photography was taught not just as a technical skill but as an art form. It offers an intimate view into the lives of both students and teachers who were part of this vibrant, pioneering environment.
At a time when photography was predominantly seen as a commercial endeavor, the Prahran Photography Department took a bold step by treating photography as a medium of artistic expression. Under the guidance of passionate educators, students were encouraged to push the boundaries of imagination and creativity. This shift in the understanding of photography set Prahran College apart from other institutions across Australia and contributed to the rise of fine art photography as a major cultural force in the nation.
The basement housed some of Australia’s most forward-thinking photographers and was a breeding ground for new ideas. It was here that the influence of the counter-culture movements of the 1960s and 1970s—through music, protest, fashion, and art criticism—intersected with photography, creating a unique space of artistic experimentation.
The exhibition spans over 13 years, from the time the department moved into the basement in 1968 until it merged with the State College of Victoria in the early 1980s. This period saw the emergence of bold new photographic styles and voices, as well as a growing community of artists who would go on to shape Australia’s cultural landscape.
The works featured in “The basement” come from a variety of sources, including the personal archives of the artists themselves and collections from notable institutions such as the Museum of Australian Photography, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria, the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, and Deakin University Archives. These images have been carefully curated to provide a glimpse into this remarkable era of Australian photography, showcasing the raw talent and creative energy that defined the Prahran photography community.
Curated by Angela Connor, Senior Curator at MAPh, and Stella Loftus-Hills, MAPh Curator, the exhibition highlights the groundbreaking works of several iconic photographers. Among those featured are Bill Henson, whose evocative and haunting images are synonymous with Australian art photography; Carol Jerrems, known for her intimate portraits of the social landscape of the time; and the whimsical, yet profound works of Polly Borland. Other featured artists include Colin Abbott, Peter Bowes, Graham Howe, Julie Millowick, and Peter Kelly, each of whom brought their distinct vision and style to the medium.
The exhibition also offers a rare opportunity to explore the relationship between the students and their mentors. Many of the teachers at Prahran College were active participants in Australia’s evolving cultural scene, imparting not only technical skills but also a philosophy of artistic freedom and social engagement. Among the influential educators who helped shape the department’s unique ethos were photographers like Peter Burgess, John Cato, and Geoff Strong, whose influence can still be seen in the work of many students who went on to become celebrated photographers themselves.
In addition to the physical exhibition, visitors will also be able to explore the collection virtually, ensuring that this significant chapter in Australian photographic history is accessible to audiences around the world.
The Basement is not just an exhibition; it is a chance to revisit the stories, struggles, and triumphs of an iconic period in the history of Australian photography. It celebrates a transformative space that has had an immeasurable impact on the way photography is viewed and practiced in Australia today.
To complement the exhibition, a lecture series has been organized, offering a deeper dive into the stories and artistic practices of those who shaped the era. For those looking to take home a piece of this photographic history, The Basement book, which explores the exhibition in greater detail, is available for purchase through the MAPh online shop.
“The basement: photography from Prahran College (1968–1981)” is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Australian art and photography, as well as those keen to understand the role of education, community, and experimentation in shaping the artistic movements of the late 20th century. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the roots of Australian photography at one of the country’s most influential art schools.
The exhibition is curated by Angela Connor, Senior Curator at MAPh, and Stella Loftus-Hills, Curator at MAPh, and it offers a chance to experience the creative pulse of the late 20th century in Australian photography.
Featured Artists
This exhibition highlights the works of some of Australia’s most iconic photographers from the period, including:
- Colin Abbott
- Robert Ashton
- Con Aslanis
- Polly Borland
- Peter Bowes
- John Brash
- Peter Burgess
- Nanette Carter
- John Cato
- Andrew Chapman
- Lyn Cheong
- Jon Conte
- Kim Corbel
- Paul Cox
- Mimmo Cozzolino
- Christina de Water
- Duncan Frost
- Rob Gale
- Sandra Graham
- Bill Henson
- Julie Higginbotham
- Graham Howe
- Carol Jerrems
- Moira Joseph
- Peter Kelly
- Christopher Köller
- Johann Krix
- Paul Lambeth
- Derrick Lee
- Peter Leiss
- Carolyn Lewens
- Steven Lojewski
- Ian Macrae
- James McArdle
- Jim McFarlane
- Rod McNicol
- Julie Millowick
- Peter Milne
- Jacqueline Mitelman
- Richard Muggleton
- Martin Munz
- Nicholas Nedelkopoulos
- Greg Neville
- Glen O’Malley
- Viki Petherbridge
- Ross Powell
- Philip Quirk
- Leonie Reisberg
- Susan Russell
- Stella Sallman
- Athol Shmith
- Geoff Strong
- Ian Tippett
- George Volakos
- Stephen Wickham
- Andrew Wittner
- Ken Wright
- Lynette Zeeng
The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the work of these artists who pushed the boundaries of what photography could be, transforming it from a technical skill into a powerful form of artistic expression.
Curators
- Angela Connor (MAPh Senior Curator)
- Stella Loftus-Hills (MAPh Curator)
In addition to the physical exhibition, the MAPh is offering a virtual tour, enabling viewers from around the world to experience the exhibition online. For those looking to dive deeper into the history of this groundbreaking period in Australian photography, the exhibition is accompanied by The Basement book, available for purchase through the MAPh online shop.
This exhibition is an essential opportunity for photography enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in the history of Australian visual culture to explore a transformative chapter in the country’s photographic development. The basement at Prahran College was much more than just a space—it was a laboratory for innovation, creativity, and the exploration of new visual languages.
For more information, visit the Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) website, explore the virtual tour, or attend one of the associated lecture series events designed to further illuminate this fascinating history.
Exhibition Details
- Dates: 1 March – 25 May 2025
- Location: Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh)
- Curators: Angela Connor & Stella Loftus-Hills
- Artists: Featuring works by over 40 Australian photographers, including Bill Henson, Carol Jerrems, Polly Borland, and many others.
