ANNE ZAHALKA ‘ZAHALKAWORLD’ at the Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh)

Anne Zahalka will be presenting a major survey exhibition ‘ZAHALKAWORLD’ at the newly branded Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) from 10.06. – 10.09.23 which spans four decades of her illustrious career.

Centred around the artist’s archive, the exhibition brings together key bodies of work that span Zahalka’s practice presented alongside collected treasures from her archive that inform and inspire her. Encompassing material that is both personal and professional, intellectual and physical, these archival components have been incorporated into a re-creation of her house-studio within the gallery space. Imaginative, immersive and playful, the exhibition invites audiences into the artist’s working life and her creative process to explore the illusionary worlds for which she is renowned. Accompanying the exhibition will be a major publication proudly supported by the Gordon Darling Foundation.

Zahalka is one of Australia’s most highly regarded photo-media artists who has exhibited extensively in Australia and overseas. Her work has often explored cultural and environmental points of tension, interrogating them with humour and a critical perspective. Her practice has centred around deconstructing familiar scenes and re-presenting them to allow for alternative narratives that reflect, amongst other things, on cultural diversity within Australian society and the ecological impact of the global climate crisis.

‘ZAHALKAWORLD’ has been curated by MAPh Director, Anouska Phizacklea, who says: “Anne Zahalka’s photographs have become iconic and represent key moments in Australia’s history. Her practice has persistently challenged and questioned the status quo for more than 40 years, which has included interrogating Australia’s national and cultural identity to addressing pressing issues such as the climate emergency. The centrepiece of the exhibition is a recreation of the artist’s own studio, allowing audiences to access an environment they would rarely enter. This immersive space provides a deeper understanding of the conceptual and practical aspects of an artist’s methods which are often hidden and unseen by the public.”

MAPh will also be providing a special opportunity to speak with the artist directly regarding her work and exhibition on Thursday 13th July, Thursday 20th July, and Thursday 27th July between 11am-12pm. Anne will join the sessions remotely from her studio in Newtown, Sydney, and visitors will be able to connect with her from her ‘ZAHALKAWORLD’ studio at the gallery. These will be timed sessions of 10 minutes each with four sessions per hour and a group size limit of six people. Register for a session here.

Read more.