'Evidence' is a two-person photography exhibition which aims to encourage discussion about mental health in Australia and New Zealand. The show consists of approximately 25 framed images, a publication, and an installation of found objects.
'The Gap' by Harry Culy
As part of his ongoing series entitled 'The Gap', Harry Culy presents a meditative look at an ever changing horizon; a gap between sky and sea. This series was photographed looking east across the Tasman Sea from the cliffs at Sydney's South Head between 2014-2016. Inspired by colour field painting these pictures are studies of light and colour, stillness and movement, and the tension that exist between the two. Beneath these images of intense natural beauty lies a dark history. Don Ritchie (9 June1925 – died 13 May 2012) was a member of the royal Australian Navy and a successful life insurance salesman. He lived opposite Jaccob's Ladder beside the cliffs at an area named The Gap, in Sydney Australia. He would offer distressed strangers a cup of tea and kindness. It is estimated that he has saved the lives of over 400 people.
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'Lived experience' by Sam Stephenson
Sam Stephenson has been documenting his kith for over ten years. Realising how common it is for individuals to have a mental health concerns, he has recently sought to engage in conversations about mental health with his friends. He started making portraits of those closest to him in their personal space and then had the sitter write some text about their lived experience on the print. The aim of the project is to reach out to people to feel normal about ups and downs, to shed light on delusions and paranoia, and in doing so, squash the stigma associated with mental health while creating a greater awareness.