An exhibition of 65 works by iconic American photographer David LaChapelle headlines the month-long Ballarat International Foto Biennale (BIFB) when it opens at the Art Gallery of Ballarat on Saturday 19 August 2017.
LaChapelle is one of the rare photographers able to transcend the barriers between fine art and commercial photography, often while communicating a profound social message. His hyper-realistic images are inspired by everything from social issues and political climates, to street culture and art history, to immortality and the metaphysical.
“David LaChapelle is provocative, at times irreverent, and emblematic of what the biennale aspires to be. We believe this exhibition will enhance our reputation as a world-class event and bring new audiences to our beautiful town of Ballarat,” said Ballarat International Foto Biennale Creative Director Fiona Sweet.
LaChapelle’s career, spanning more than 30 years, has seen him photograph some of the most famous faces in the world including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Eminem, Andy Warhol, Elizabeth Taylor, Kanye West and Lady Gaga, to name just a few. His work is part of the public collections of institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery in London, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.
Recognised as one of the most important photographers of our time, this will be the first time LaChapelle will present an exhibition in Australia – which is also exclusive to Ballarat International Foto Biennale – a month-long celebration of international and Australian photography set in the historic surrounds of Ballarat.
The festival is a platform for world-class photographic arts, comprising a core program of major exhibitions, a fringe program for emerging and established photographers, and an outdoor public program taking the arts to the streets of Ballarat.
David LaChapelle
Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat
Exhibition: 19 August – 17 September 2017
Admission fees apply
For more information, visit: www.ballaratfoto.org or www.artgalleryofballarat.com.au for details.
Image: David LaChapelle, Last Supper from Jesus Is My Homeboy series, 2003 (detail)