Australians by Paul Blackmore

Acclaimed Sydney-based photographer Paul Blackmore returns to Melbourne with his exhibition Australians. Proudly hosted by The Fox Darkroom and Gallery, the exhibition examines how the harsh Australian environment animates and influences our people and our culture.

Revisiting themes of landscape and belonging he explored in his first book Australians: Responses to the Land (1999), Blackmore’s most recent work focuses on humanity’s relationship to nature in an increasingly globalised world. The Australian coastline is a prime showcase, amidst the sand and surf and the ebbing and rising of the tide, a culture is laid bare beneath the glaring sun. His images call for social change, pointing to the scarcity of resources and dwindling regard for natures bounty. Yet for all the beauty and subsequent concern Blackmore finds in the natural world, he also captures moments of absolute mundanity, of life unconcerned with pretence. Moments like children playing in a slowly drying creek on a hot day reveal an eye able to transform the ordinary into an affecting celebration of life in all its small joys.

Blackmore is credited as part of a new generation of photojournalist, a reporter of reality whose elegant observations function as both record of social change and stunningly realised works of fine art. Having worked on producing images for campaigns for number of iconic Australian companies such as Telstra and Qantas, Blackmore has also had his many photo essays and stories published internationally by such outlets as Time, L’Express, Le Monde and Geo, followed by prominent exhibitions in Melbourne, Sydney, New York and Perpignan, France.

Australians will be on display at The Fox Gallery from Friday, 22 June to Sunday, 8 July. Tickets are also available for an Artist Talk with Paul Blackmore, hosted by the gallery on Saturday, 23 June. Here, Blackmore will present work from the exhibition, including work featured in his book Australians as well as his current under water series, and talk through his journey from photojournalist to fine art photographer.

Australians
The Fox Darkroom and Gallery, 8 Elizabeth Street, via laneway, Kensington
Friday, 22 June to Sunday, 8 July 2025
emergingwritersfestival.org.au