Stories So Far

Before Melbourne shut itself down, I had the honour of documenting "Stories So Far", an exhibition by Pattie Beerens in Campbell's Arcade which explored how materials, spaces and people adapt and evolve naturally over time to each other.

The exhibition was larger than the artworks and was built on the organic relationships developed over time. From the hole-in-wall cafe who provided empty cartridges, to the busker who has played there every day for decades after leaving his IT job, to the bike and meditation business owner who used COVID-19 as an opportunity to adapt, this exhibition exemplified the creative brilliance of this community.

The exhibition opening brought them altogether as well as Pattie's eclectic community, including an old friend she hadn't seen in 38 years. Her partner brewed up a plethora of Stu-Bru beers in our last hurrah before a city shut itself down.

Thanks Pattie for your support and for inviting me to photograph your portraits and the show.

March 2020.