Photography lovers have a rare opportunity to see the work of two of the 20th century’s most celebrated image makers side by side, with Max Dupain and Ansel Adams: In Search of Perfection now showing at Bayside Gallery at the Brighton Town Hall.
Running until 30 August, Bayside Gallery is the only Victorian venue hosting the National Gallery of Australia touring exhibition, bringing together iconic black-and-white photographs by Australian photographer Max Dupain and American master Ansel Adams.
The free exhibition explores the pair’s shared pursuit of technical precision, striking composition and the expressive possibilities of light, offering visitors a chance to compare two distinct photographic styles that helped shape the medium.
Complementing the exhibition is a special photography workshop led by local artist and photographer Greg Elms, who met Max Dupain while studying photography.
“Max Dupain’s work, particularly for Australians, is an important window into our recent past,” Greg said.
During the workshop, Elms will share his unconventional creative process, demonstrating how he uses a high-resolution flatbed scanner to produce photo-based artworks before inviting participants to experiment with the technique themselves.
He believes exhibitions like this continue to play an important role in helping photographers develop their craft.
“Workshops and exhibitions remain an important part of learning photography,” Greg said.
“It’s one thing to take iPhone photos and quite another to create a considered visual narrative with images, and to find a singular voice in this medium.”
Visitors are also encouraged to slow down and spend time with each photograph, considering the composition, lighting, framing and emotional impact behind every image.
Entry to Max Dupain and Ansel Adams: In Search of Perfection at Bayside Gallery is free.
