| ACP The Black Islands |
 Photography Exhibition: The Black Islands Media Preview: Thursday 7 September 2006 1.00pm Ben Bohane will be available for interview and photographs (light lunch and drinks provided) Opening Thursday 7 September 2006 6.00-8.00pm Exhibition runs: Thursday 8 September to Saturday 14 October 2006 Curated by Bec Dean In The Black Islands the vast archipelago of the southwest pacific region becomes interconnected with images and stories of post-colonial resistance, religious fervour, traditional custom, guerrilla warfare, environmental catastrophe and urbanisation. Renowned Australian photojournalist Ben Bohane's commitment to illuminating the struggles and spirit worlds behind news from Melanesia is clearly evident in this sensitive body of work that explores localised kastom practices and reveals an in-depth knowledge of the people, movements, traditions and politics that shape everyday life. The Black Islands begins with photographs of the seas that connect the archipelago with trade and smuggling routes, to the rugged landscapes, urban cities and jungle dwellings of the islands. Bohane's images of traditional practices and Christian influenced cults convey a sense of unity and peace that are counteracted by photographs of armed troops, conflict, protest and the aftermath of war. At a time when Australia is adopting a more assertive diplomatic role in the region, Bohane's work sheds light on the issues that will shape the security and social development of the Pacific and indeed Australia in the future. Since 1994 Ben Bohane has worked as a photojournalist specialising in Melanesia and indigenous Australia; incorporating islands and nations above Australia stretching from Timor and Maluku in the west to Fiji in the east. In recent years the region has come to be known by another term: the "arc of instability". For some time now, these islands have moved beyond the Club Med visage through which many outsiders have viewed them to one of a troubled region where coupes, conflict and corruption have shaken the perception of a good many holiday-makers. Bohane's long-standing journalistic focus in the region has been to explore the connections between spiritual-based kastom movements and resistance. From the Free Papua Movement's OPM guerillas in West Papua, the BRA in Bougainville to the IFM (Isatabu Freedom Movement) in the Solomon Islands, Bohane has accessed no-go areas and interviewed dangerous groups and leaders in order to understand and interpret the influence of kastom on the conflicts, politics and economies of Melanesia. Bohane says, "I came to realise that the role of these kastom and cult movements was not to be underestimated in any political analysis." Cultist Land FLOORTALK 1.00pm Saturday 9 September FREE Vanuatu-based Australian Photojournalist, Ben Bohane will present a floortalk taking visitors through this major solo retrospective. Bohane will discuss his practice as a photographer and writer and his specialist interest in the region. This is a great opportunity to participate in an informal discussion and meet this important practitioner.                                |
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About Australian Centre for Photography (ACP)
Established in 1973, the ACP opened the doors of its first gallery in Paddington
Street, in 1974. In 1981 the Centre moved to Oxford Street where it remains today.
It is now Australia's longest running contemporary art space.
It is the ACP's mission to promote and enrich the understanding of photo-based art
in Australia and this is achieved through a dynamic mix of exhibition, education and
publication. In its blend of activities and range of photographic media, the Centre
is unique in Australia.
ACP opened a Workshop in 1976. Originally in a separate building, this is now housed
within the Centre in Oxford Street and includes black and white and colour darkroom
facilities, a digital suite, lighting studio and library. In 1983 ACP launched the
journal Photofile. It is now the leading photo-based art magazine in Australia,
available through newsagents and specialist bookshops nationally.
Currently located in the heart of Paddington, Sydney's gallery district, ACP houses
two exhibition spaces; a foyer display area and a Project Wall for emerging artists;
an extensive workshop with comprehensive curriculum and public access facilities; a
specialist bookshop and library.
The ACP is a not-for-profit organisation supported by the NSW Government through the
NSW Ministry for the Arts, the Australia Council, the Australian Government's arts
funding and advisory body, and the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of
the Australian, State and Territory Governments. The ACP raises over half of its
revenue from non-government sources.
