This Vanishing World: Photography of Olegas Truchanas is the story of a man who loved Tasmania and its wild places.
The life and work of celebrated photographer, conservationist and adventurer Olegas Truchanas are on display in a new exhibition now open at the Museum at Inveresk.
Born in 1923, Truchanas grew up in Lithuania, a country invaded three times by two different nations. In January 1949, he journeyed to Australia, and after spending time in a displaced persons camp in Victoria, moved to Tasmania in May of the same year.
For 20 years, Truchanas explored Tasmania's wild places, with great physical and mental endurance.
Through the lens of his camera, This Vanishing World shares the remarkable journey of Truchanas and his campaign to expand awareness of Tasmania’s unique and endangered south-west in the 1950-70s, which helped inspire an ongoing environment protection movement.
In addition to stunning photographs, the exhibition includes cameras, packing lists, recordings, a kayak, a tent and many documents from his life.
Creative Arts and Cultural Services General Manager Shane Fitzgerald said Truchanas left a unique legacy for Tasmania and QVMAG is proud to be the custodians of his internationally significant collection of slides, photographs and archives.
“This important collection is close to the hearts of many Tasmanians, and the artistic, social and political impact of his work is recognised around the world,” Fitzgerald said.
“We’re proud to share his story through carefully selected images and artefacts and expect it will attract significant interest from the local community and visitors to our island.”
The exhibition focuses on four key themes representing the essence of Truchanas: resilience, artistry, passion and impact.
QVMAG Senior Curator of History Jon Addison said when it comes to photographers who had an effect on Tasmania, few loom as large as Truchanas.
"It's not just the quality of his work, which is superb, but the impact that this work has had on later generations of photographers, activists and even politicians," Addison said.
“There are so many great stories in this exhibition. You’ll see how he meticulously planned his expeditions and how he learnt the art of mountain photography in Bavaria. He met his wife Melva through the Launceston Walking Club and they married here in Launceston, so there’s a strong local connection too,” said Addison.
The title of the exhibition, This Vanishing World, comes from a speech by Olegas Truchanas in 1971, arguing against the flooding of Lake Pedder.
“He visited Lake Pedder more than 30 times over a 20-year period. His ascent of Federation Peak was the first documented solo climb of that remote mountain. He was the first person to navigate the Serpentine and Gordon rivers from Lake Pedder to Macquarie Harbour, a difficult feat indeed.”
“Although his life was tragically cut short in a canoeing accident in 1972, this exhibition gives us an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of a man who had a major impact on Tasmania,” said Addison.
The exhibition is accompanied by a beautiful new publication, available from the QVMAG Shop in-store and online.
This Vanishing World: Photography of Olegas Truchanas is open at the Museum at Inveresk from 10am - 4pm daily until 20 July 2025 (closed Christmas Day). Entry is free.
Issued 19 July 2024.