For the very first time, Arts Centre Melbourne will exhibit a major photographic exhibition drawn from the vast collection of images that comprise its Performing Arts Collection.
Flash! is a snapshot of the 100,000 photographs that exist in Arts Centre Melbourne’s Performing Arts Collection, a collection of national significance that features images of circus, dance, music, opera and theatre from the 19th – 21st century.
From an image of a young Nick Cave literally shielding his eyes from the flash of a camera to a vision of Dame Nellie Melba alighting from her chauffeured car in the early 1900s, Flash! is a fascinating exhibition that captures some of Australia’s biggest stars both engaged and also candid. Flash! also beautifully encapsulates the transient nature of the performing arts – an artform that burns bright until it is literally ‘gone in a flash’.
Flash! takes visitors on a journey into the very heart of the theatre itself, enabling them to peek behind the curtains and into the dressing room and witness what’s really behind all the razzle dazzle!
Divided into sections that explore the anticipation of arrival at the theatre, the stress of rehearsals, the hush of backstage, the drama of performance, and, of course, the pop of a cork on opening nights, Flash! reveals the real story of what happens before and after the encore.
Flash! will feature up to 150 photographs including never-seen-before images from renowned photographer Helmut Newton as well as rare work from Athol Shmith, Max Dupain, Ponch Hawkes and Jeff Busby. The exhibition is suitable for families, and is designed to encourage children to engage with and channel their inner superstar through interactive activities.
Flash!
Gallery 1 – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne
Exhibition: 14 November 2014 – 29 March 2015
Free entry
For more information, visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.
Image: Red Symon – photo by Graeme Webber