The Art of Observation exhibition

This exhibition celebrates Council's photography collection, bringing together generations of photographers who invite you to look closer, think differently, and rediscover the familiar.

Works by Suzie Blake, Wilfred Disney Chapman, Jody Haines, Grant Hobson, Karenne Ann, Anna Kiparis, Viv Méhes, Kip Scott, Gayle Slater, Simon Terrill, Pierre Vairo, James Voller, Sarah Watt and Ammar Yonis are exhibited along with documentary images by unidentified early twentieth century photographers.

While some photographers use the camera to record their environments, others adopt it as a tool for creation. Examining the parallels, differences and connections between constructed and documentary photography and exploring artists’ intentions and processes, The Art of Observation considers not just what we see but how we see.

Download catalogue for The Art of Observation(PDF, 3MB)

Key details

Location: Civic Precinct and Community Hub, 61 Napier Street, Footscray

Viewing times: Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm, from 15 December 2025 - 8 May 2026.

Events and programs

Opening event: 6pm, Thursday 5 February 2026. Bookings essential via link below.

Curator's guided tour: 11am on the first Thursday of each month (commencing February 2026). Bookings essential via the link below.

Public programs: Advertised on the Arts and Culture events page, linked below.

Group bookings: Groups larger than 5 people are encouraged to book a tour via arts@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au or by calling 03 9688 0200.

Browse Arts and Culture programs and book your spot

 

Image credit: Ammar Yonis, Salon Gâr 2023, 35mm film photograph on silk, 140 x 157cm