Ricky Maynard: Portrait Of A Distant Land
On a stinking hot day in the middle of summer, nothing is more refreshing than jumping waves at the beach.
Experiencing an Indigenous photography exhibition, after a bombardment of contemporary dot paintings in recent years, can be just as refreshing.
Enter, Ricky Maynard. A documentary photographer based on Flinders Island, Maynard tells it as it is. Portrait of a Distant Land presents several series of photographs, some taken as early as 1985. A number of beautiful images depict the Australian bush and close-up portraits. Others require a stronger stomach: Maynard explores the impact of drugs and alcohol on Australian Aborigines, and the contentious issue of deaths in custody.
Aesthetically, think black and white, strong lines, shadows and patterns. And not a dot in sight.
Ricky Maynard: Portrait of a Distant Land
On until 14th August.
The Ian Potter Museum of Modern Art, The University of Melbourne (on Swanston Street between Elgin and Faraday Streets)
Free admission