Faces of Launceston residents are popping up all over the city, as a part of a photographic project highlighting those making a difference in the community.
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The exhibition 'Faces of Launceston 2022 - the City' is an ongoing series started in 1995 featuring black and white portraits taken by Tasmania's only Grand Master of Photography, Phillip Kuruvita.
There are only 22 Grand Masters of Photography in Australia, and Mr Kuruvita is the only Tasmanian with this accolade.
The project will spotlight a wide cross-section of people who live in Launceston and celebrate their achievements, culminating in a major exhibition of portraits spread throughout the city centre for a 3 week period starting o April 21.
2022 marks the 27 year anniversary of the Faces of Launceston project that has documented over 700 people who live and work in the community.
Mr Kuruvita said this was his latest instalment in the series after a seven year break, following his 2015 "Faces of Launceston - 20 Years" which was a major exhibition at the Queen Victoria Museum Inveresk that opened to a capacity crowd and also resulted in a hardcover book.
"Faces of Launceston is a very old project now. We started it in 1995 and have had about eight separate exhibitions over the years," he said.
"The last one was seven years ago at the QVMAG, which was a big exhibition with 100 framed images in the main gallery."
"With COVID it's been seven years since we have done one, as I usually take a few years break in between collections."
A twist on this years exhibition is the way in which the photographs are being presented to the public, stuck on windows and buildings around Launceston's CBD.
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"This year we decided rather than going to a gallery we would put the pictures around town so that it was accessible to all and it fit with COVID restrictions so that people weren't gathering, but it still allows so many people to see the faces," Mr Kuruvita said.
"I've partnered with CityProm and we have got 33 images which we are putting up around town, it's going to be up for three weeks. I often get people saying why did you chose me to which I always say, why not you."
Mr Kuruvita aims to capture the stories of those in the city from all walks of life, those who have always lived in Launceston and those who have also moved from other places.
"Everyone has a story and the joy of this project is that I am getting a little bit underneath and figuring out what has shaped them. A lot of the time the city has a lot to do with that," he said.
"The people in the photographs could be someone you know, someone you have walked past or someone you have never met. It aims to show we are all connected and part of this community."
For Mr Kuruvita, who moved here from Sydney in 1988, he says it was the best move he has ever made.
"Launceston is a great sized city. You walk down the street and you see someone you know," he said.
"I love living here and lots of people feel the same. This project started off as a way to say thank you to the city and it's grown to have over 700 images in the collection.
"I believe that in 100 years time this collection will be a very good snapshot of who we were and how we lived, showcasing the city's history in the faces of those who lived here."
Between 1995 and 1997 'Faces of Launceston' was showcased in three exhibitions at the Launceston Country Club Casino.
Following the success of these exhibitions, Mr Kuruvita was contracted professionally to create an exhibition for North Ltd to highlight the people who worked in Tasmania's forestry industry. The resulting exhibition of 100 portraits and a book was shown at Afgest.
Following this, Mr Kuruvita was asked to produce a similar book to help celebrate 30 years of Wrest Point's operation in Tasmania. Again, this consisted of black and white environmental portraits of employees at work.
The series has grown each year and this year's photographs also include the individuals signature and a short statement about themselves.
The 'Faces of Launceston 2022 - the City' exhibition begins on April 21 and runs until May 6 and is on display around Launceston's city centre.
For more information visit www.facesoflaunceston.com.au
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Nikita McGuire
Born and raised in Launceston, Nikita is passionate about the stories that matter to locals. When she is not at work you can find Nikita adventuring around Tasmania or spending time with family and friends. If you have story tips or events in the Arts and Events sector, please contact Nikita at nikita.mcguire@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 031 581
Born and raised in Launceston, Nikita is passionate about the stories that matter to locals. When she is not at work you can find Nikita adventuring around Tasmania or spending time with family and friends. If you have story tips or events in the Arts and Events sector, please contact Nikita at nikita.mcguire@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 031 581
