SNAPPED!
Street Photography
In the illawarra
2021
Wollongong Art Gallery
11 December 2021 – 6 March 2022
works
overview
This exhibition presents a historic portrait of local life mapped across the streets and beach scapes of the Illawarra. Recorded originally by early commercial street photographers from 1930’s – 60’s of passers-by, these affordable postcard sized prints captured people in a candid way. Collected through a call-out from residents, these historic street photos have been assembled to provide a tangible trace of the city allowing visitors to reimagine how this city once looked.
SNAPPED!
Wollongong Art Gallery
Images from the collections of Wollongong City Libraries and the Illawarra Historical Society.
SNAPPED!
Street Photography in the Illawarra
An exhibition by Anne Zahalka with Wollongong Art Gallery
11 December 2021 – 6 March 2022
Leading Australian photo-media artist Anne Zahalka is creating a new exhibition of family street photographs submitted by residents of Wollongong and the Illawarra.
These popular portraits were taken by commercial street photographers who worked in the area from the 1930s-60s. They snapped pedestrians as they posed or passed by on local streets, beaches and towns. They were handed a ticket with the details for where to view and purchase their photograph. These candid portraits were an affordable way for people to buy photographs of themselves, friends and family in a time before many had personal cameras.
Through a contemporary lens, Anne will revisit these historic and ubiquitous street photographs through the descendents to reflect on how the region, its citizens look today.
THE PUBLIC CALL OUT FOR STREET
PHOTOGRAPHS IS NOW CLOSED
Thanks to everyone who submitted their images. We look forward to welcoming you to the exhibition at Wollongong Art Gallery.
Images from the collections of Wollongong City Libraries and the Illawarra Historical Society.