An exhibition of documentary photographs made over a five-year period in the Urban Slums and Refugee Camps of East Africa, F * * K LOSS KISS by Mark Chew, will be presented in the Gallery – fortyfivedownstairs, this April.
Mark Chew is one of Australia’s pre-eminent Documentary and Editorial Photographers. Based in Melbourne, Mark’s projects regularly take him all over the world. F * * K LOSS KISS records the lives of mostly women and children in an attempt to reveal the complexity and diversity of existence in difficult circumstances.
While viewers may find some of the imagery disturbing, the exhibition is an attempt to show the full spectrum of life where children are loved, food can be scarce, education is cherished, and laughter and music lie around every corner.
“Returning to the land of my birth, I feel a connection that goes beyond a working relationship” says Chew. “The exhibition is an attempt to show the full spectrum of life where children are loved, food can be scarce, education is cherished, and laughter and music lie around every corner.”
“Making images such as these takes time. Time spent sitting listening, observing and making connections. Some of the people in these photographs I would call friends, as I would the many generous East Africans, who have helped facilitate access to their communities.”
Documentary photography however rigorous, will always be subjective. If these images are successful, the viewer will ‘see’ but more importantly ‘feel’ each moment in front of the lens. It is this deeper engagement that encourages empathy and connection and perhaps help change the lives of millions in need.
On Saturday 5 April (2.00 – 3.30pm), a free public Q&A event will take place at fortyfivedownstairs, where Mark Chew will talk in detail about the works and how each of the images came about, in conversation with Lisa Button, CEO, Community Refugee Australia.
The exhibition will be supported with the screening of a film Living Room by Alicia Easawmamutil and Archie Chew.
Mark Chew: F * * K LOSS KISS
Gallery – fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Exhibition: 1 – 24 April 2025
Free entry
For more information, visit: www.fortyfivedownstairs.com or www.markchew.com.au for details.
Image: Kensekka Market Place – photo by Mark Chew