Witness in focus at QVMAG
Image: Hector 10 (2011), Murray Fredericks. © the artist.
Exclusively and for the first time in Tasmania, Launceston's Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery will welcome the works of internationally recognised Australian photographer and cinematographer Murray Fredericks.
The works of this multi-award-winning photo-media artist have been recognised and acquired globally by both public and private collectors, including the National Gallery of Victoria, the National Portrait Gallery, ABN Amro, the Macquarie Bank Collection, and the private collections of celebrities like Elton John and fashion designer Valentino.
On display at the Museum at Inveresk, Witness brings together a selection of defining large-scale images drawn from Fredericks’ personal collection, spanning his acclaimed Salt, Icesheet and Hector series’, and showcasing the awe-inspiring environs of Lake Eyre, Greenland and the Tiwi Islands.
In 2009 Fredericks co-directed the documentary Salt, capturing his journey to the deserted Lake Eyre in remote South Australia.
The documentary was Fredericks' first cinematography credit and went on to win over 14 international awards.
In 2010 Fredericks was voted as the Australian Landscape Photographer of the year and has been a finalist in Australia’s Top Photographer Awards five times.
Fredericks describes his practice as being derived from a perspective that views culture as something that cannot be wholly accounted for through social construct.
“In the end, what we see are not really places at all. We’re only looking at space. And whatever meaning these so-called places might have is inserted into them by the way the space is handled.
"Hopefully, the spaces in these images will open up to the viewers another space, a greater space, where they can insert their own meanings into the photographic moment.”
Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson said it was a brilliant outcome to see Northern Tasmania host this exclusive first for Tasmania.
"To welcome the works of Murray Fredericks to Tasmania and to feature this exhibition exclusively in Launceston is a great outcome for our city," Mayor Gibson said.
"Our island is known for its incredible natural landscapes and this exhibition will be a must-visit for locals and visitors exploring Tasmania."
General Manager Creative Arts and Cultural Services Shane Fitzgerald said it was a win for Launceston to be the destination to host Fredericks' debut exhibition in Tasmania.
"I've been lucky to work with Murray as part of previous exhibition showcases in Australia and I'm thrilled to now welcome his work to our Tasmanian audiences," said Fitzgerald.
"Our focus for 2023 is about delivering vibrant, accessible, and impactful experiences for our visitors and Fredericks' work delivers on exactly that.
"Following on from the success of the Archie 100 tour to QVMAG, Witness brings another widely recognised name, with a global following, right to our doorstep which is an incredible thing."
Witness is on display at the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk from Saturday, 18 February to Sunday, 21 May 2023 with free entry.