2023 Foto Biennale – full program announced
FestivalsThe 2023 Ballarat International Foto Biennale is the 10th installment of what is one of Australia’s most significant and prestigious photographic arts festivals.
This year the program features over 2000 works by some of the world’s biggest photography names with the festival running from 26 August – 22 October.
Headline exhibitions include:
- the global premiere of People Power – Platon
- an in-depth display by Indian street photographer Vineet Vohra
- Instant Warhol – over 50 original Polaroids taken by pop culture icon Andy Warhol
“We have reached far and wide into all corners of the world to bring together the greatest collection of photographs that have documented our generation,” Ballarat International Foto Biennale CEO Vanessa Gerrans said.
The theme of the 2023 festival is The Real Thing, in honour of Russell Morris’ 1969 six-minute surround sounding musical trip.
Like the song, the Foto Biennale will be all encompassing, embracing visitors in an all-immersive experience.
“It’s up to the viewer to have an opinion as to what is real and what is not,” Vanessa said.
“This event encourages curiosity, and we invite all to experience the city of Ballarat through a different lens.”
Tickets and full program details available at ballaratfoto.org from Saturday 15 July.
Platon
Exclusive to the Ballarat International Foto Biennale is the global premiere of People Power – Platon.
Get up close with over 120 portraits snapped by renowned New York photographer Platon of today’s headline makers and shakers.
Think Gaddafi, Vivienne Westwood, Putin, Prince, Michelle Obama, Adele, Cate Blanchett, Kevin Rudd, Pussy Riot and more
Vineet Vohra
The work of acclaimed documentary-style photographer Vineet Vohra will be highlighted in an in-depth display of his most important works.
Considered one of the most influential street photographers of his generation, Vineet will be holding very limited, intimate workshops studying the streets and style of Ballarat.
Andy Warhol
Also celebrating street style is Instant Warhol – 59 Polaroids taken by Andy Warhol capturing people, parties and pop culture of the 1970s and 80s.
Andy was a devotee of the Polaroid, taking thousands of photographs between 1958 and 1987.
His snaps were both social document and art, with many of the images later turned into famous silkscreen prints.
The 2023 Foto Biennale will also be filled with Australian premieres including first-time exhibitions from international photographers Yvonne Todd (New Zealand) and Erik Johansson (Sweden).
Alongside these will be world-first exhibitions from Stephen Dupont, Michael Jalaru Torres, Colleen Raven Strangways plus the Australian exclusive of the Michael Kantor Portrait Prize.
The comprehensive program will also include everything from workshops to walking
tours, conversations to classes.
Main image: Erik Johansson, If Lost, Please Call, C-Type, 180 x 135cm
Stay In the Know
Sign up to our newsletter and get the latest updates.
Across Victoria’s Midwest, we acknowledge that we travel across the ancient landscapes of many First Peoples communities. These lands have been nurtured and cared for over tens of thousands of years and we respect the work of Traditional Custodians for their ongoing care and protection.
We recognise the past injustices against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in this country. As our knowledge grows, we hope that we can learn from their resilience and creativity that has guided them for over 60,000 years. As we invite people to visit and explore Victoria’s Midwest, we ask that alongside us, you also grow to respect the stories, living culture and connection to Country of the Ancestors and Elders of our First Peoples.
