Maribyrnong now can be viewed through both a historic and contemporary lens at a new photography exhibition.
The Art of Observation explores how photographers document, construct and interpret the world around them, inviting audiences to consider not just what we see, but how we see.
The exhibition on display at the Maribyrnong civic precinct and community hub includes historic images of Footscray Town Hall, alongside photographs of other local landmarks and rare views of how the inner-west looked at the turn of the twentieth century.
Many of these images come from Maribyrnong council’s Art and Heritage Collection which comprises more than 650 works, including paintings, photographs, works on paper, ceramics, sculptures, memorials, monuments and other civic items.
Contemporary works are also included such as selections from f5 Footscray in Transition (2011–2016), a multi‑artist project capturing ten iconic sites over five years.
Additional photographic series explore cultural, social and industrial narratives.
Crowd Theory by Simon Terrill puts a spotlight on large-scale, constructed community gatherings, while an installation from Jody Haines honours Kulin culture and Ammar Yonis’ work offers an evocative perspective on friendship and migration.
The exhibition is open for self‑guided visits during civic precinct and community hub opening hours, 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
Free curated tours offering deeper insight into the artworks are offered on the first Thursday of each month at 11am.
Details: https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/TheArtofObservation
