Fred Kruger: Intimate Landscapes is set to open at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square in February.
Fred Kruger (1831-88) is widely recognised as one of Australia's most important landscape photographers of the 19th century. The new exhibition will display over 100 of Kruger's works, which have been gathered from numerous different collections, including the State Library of Victoria, Museum Victoria, in addition to several private anthologies. This comprehensive selection of Kruger's works marks the first instance of a fully-fledged retrospective for the artist.
Kruger migrated from his native Germany to Australia in 1860. The former upholsterer and cabinetmaker developed a keen eye for the unique aesthetic of his new country. Based in Victoria, Kruger captured many significant sights in his photographic works, including the beautiful ridges of the You Yangs and the stunning Mornington Peninsula.
Kruger's work is also renowned for his intimate portrayal of people within their surrounding natural environments. Moreover, he was not one to shy away from detailing the political and social circumstances of the time. One of his most remarkable photographic studies featured daily life at the Coranderrk Aboriginal Station between the years of 1876 and 1883. Kruger's works powerfully capture both place and time, which is partly attributed to his exquisite attention to detail. This latest exhibition will surely provide an opportunity to reflect on Kruger's work and likewise also on the history of Victoria.
There is a complimenting publication detailing Kruger's work by Senior Curator Isobel Crombie, which will be available from NGV bookstores for $49.95. Crombie will also deliver the first of the two free public lectures introducing the exhibition. The second lecture will be hosted by Indigenous Project Officer, Brian McKinnon, who will focus on the Indigenous content in the exhibition. These public lectures will take place on February 9 at 12:30pm and February 16 at 2:00pm respectively.
