Summer Solstice (2024)
Summer Solstice is a book launch and exhibition showcasing a series of photographs captured during the summer of 2023/24. Inspired by family photo albums and a deep appreciation for the tangible mediums of the past, Summer Solstice seeks to evoke a sense of nostalgia for sun-soaked days and cherished summer memories.
The title, Summer Solstice, references the longest day of summer, symbolising its peak. Through this collection, I aimed to capture the highlights of people’s summers—moments that feel timeless and personal, yet universal. These images carry a nostalgic quality that invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and memories of growing up.
The exhibition was carefully curated to depict the stages of immersing oneself in the sea, unfolding as a visual journey. It begins on land, with the opening image portraying a mirage of the sea. The sequence trasitions to approaching the water, diving beneath its surface, and finally emerging, culminating in the last photograph—the "Summer Solstice," representing the peak of summer’s essence.
The exhibition was held at Pillar Cafe in Burwood, an intentionally chosen venue that complemented the theme. A cafe is a morning gathering place, a setting for connection, conversation, and preparation for the day ahead. Pillar’s open, flexible space allowed me to present the work as I envisioned, enhancing the narrative and inviting viewers to experience it in an intimate and engaging way.
Key collaborators brought this vision to life. Rewind Photo Lab assisted with producing the striking A2 and A1 prints, while Block Coffee Company provided the coffee beans that added to the welcoming atmosphere of the event.
The exhibition was an overwhelming success with all phonebooks being sold out on the day and a great turnout for the opening exhibition
