Photography

Actually, photography is closest to my heart (maybe because I can do it). I started out at the very tender age of 6. I remember vividly unwrapping that Christmas present - what a surprise! I didn't know what it was. I had never seen a camera before and my dad certainly wasn't and still isn't one who bothers with photography. It was 1955 and the camera, an Agfa Click1 - a superb piece of gear that still works today. I must have taken a keen interest as my dad later built me a contact exposure box and showed me how to mix chemicals from raw ingredients, process the 120 films in dishes and print them. The influence was a friend of his who wrote out the instructions.

Following the handwritten notes, my dad would patiently explain things to me. Imagine my fascination as I watched images appear from beneath the surface of the developer! Thanks dad, that was such a wonderful gift.

The bug never left me.

It looks like we've probably been saving the best for last. Therefore watch this space.

We are planning quarterly photo competitions and a big annual one. There will also be a section on photographic tips and exercises in photography. If anyone wishes to start a photographic club through this website please write.

The first item we are promoting on photography seems a little odd. David McCabe on Andy Warhol? Well, although our aim is to promote unknown talent, we couldn't resist this one for its shear uniqueness. After all, good photography is good photography and above all, we are about promoting quality work and, hopefully, encouraging and inspiring budding photographers.

Frankly, I don't know what to expect but I am certainly looking forward to viewing the work.

Francis Chuah

World Premier Showing 19 September - 5 October 1997

77 Blackwattle Studios
465 Glebe Point Road
Glebe, Sydney Australia 2037
Phone/Fax: 612 9566 2266

Open: 12.00 - 5.00 Thursday - Sunday
(Other times by appointment)

Pop icon & conceptual artist, Andy Warhol, the guru of image-making and self-promotion did the seemingly unthinkable by asking a talented, young photographer to shoot in "open" situations. Warhol playing, laughing, thinking, dreaming, fearing.

"For a year I chronicled Andy Warhol's life", recounts photographer David McCabe. "I'd get a phone call from him. Never in the morning. His nights were long. He'd tell me of about five to six openings/parties on tap for the evening... or that he was planning to visit with some celeb. That's the way it went." The year was 1964, the year Andy painted Flowers, Marilyn Monroe and made the films Couch and Empire State.

For over 30 years the photo-diary has sat undisturbed in a cabinet. Warhol never did anything with it. On exhibition at mAudespAce is a collection of over 60 photographs specially selected by David McCabe for the most comprehensive showing of this series to date. A very limited number of prints are available for sale in Australia.