Foto Biennale, Ballarat, Victoria

Just spent a most enjoyable weekend in historic Ballarat in the Victorian goldfields to catch up with friends, and to visit the Ballarat Foto Biennale.
Last time in 2021 the major exhibition was a retrospective of Linda McCartney's photography.

This year's keynote Platon exhibition was outstanding, and the movie showing inside the entrance was most informative. It created a deeper understanding of his art.
For those wishing to see it, this Netflix movie is also available to view on YouTube 'Abstract: The Art of Design | Platon: Photography'.

Here are a few pictures I took to share.
All a7iv and SEL2470GM.

1. Platon selfie at the entry to the exhibition.
Platon exhibition by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

2.
Platon portraits by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

3.
Platon's Putin by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

4.
Platon's US Presidents by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

5.
Platon's Russia photos by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

In a small room of the Ballarat Art Gallery there was an exhibition of Andy Warhol's polaroids.
6.
Warhol polaroids by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

In a warehouse space there was a collection of images from a variety of photographers.
9.
John Ansell studio photos by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

The historic Ballarat Mining Exchange building where prospectors once brought their gold to be assayed, weighed and exchanged for money, there was another major exhibition by Swedish surrealist photographer Erik Johansson.
10.
Erik Johansson surrealist photos 1 by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

11.
Erik Johansson surrealist photos 2 by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

12.
Erik Johansson surrealist photos 3 by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

13.
Erik Johansson surrealist photos 4 by Joe Lewit, on Flickr

An extremely fascinating exhibition - as I can conclude from your images, Joe - well done!
Would it have taken place in Europe I would have seriously considered to join you! A shame that it's that far away!
I would have liked to see the Johannsson exhibit in particular!

TFS!

Adam, as you'd know its about 1.5 hours drive each way.
We essentially saw the key exhibitions at the Art Gallery, the Mining Exchange plus a few other central venues and in some of the laneways and plazas on the one day. Everything is very well signed.
You can buy a day pass on line or at the Art Gallery, the Biennial Hub or any other main paid venue, and that gives you a QR code on your phone that is shown on entry to the paid exhibits.
On Sundays the parking in Ballarat's main streets is free, other days it's metered.
Definitely worth the effort to get to, and whether you make it a fairly hectic day out from Melbourne or stretch to a more leisurely overnighter is up to you.
It's on until 22 October, so still plenty of time.