Evocative FREE Exhibition of Documentary Photography from East Africa by Mark Chew - Now Showing at fortyfivedownstairs

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Tue 01 Apr 2025 - Thu 24 Apr 2025

+ Times: Tue-Fri 12-7pm Sat 12-4pm

+ Special event: Sat 5 April, 2-3.30pm Artist’s Talk/Q&A - free, no RSVP required. Open to the public.

+ Venue: fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Based in Melbourne and regarded as one of Australia’s pre-eminent documentary and editorial photographers, Mark Chew's projects regularly take him all over the world.

His latest solo exhibition, F * * K LOSS KISS is the culmination of Chew returning to the land of his birth and photographing the Urban Slums and Refugee Camps of East Africa over 5 years. F * * K LOSS KISS is now open at fortyfivedownstairs on Flinders Lane.

Shown over 4 walls, this evocative documentary photography showcase intricately captures the lives of mostly women and children in an attempt to reveal the complexity and diversity of existence in difficult circumstances.



Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Mark completed an apprenticeship in London with some of the leading advertising photographers of the era before moving to Australia in 1985. His career spans over three decades and has taken him all over the world with assignments in places such as India, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Laos, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.

In regard to his latest exhibition, Chew notes that he feels a deep connection to East Africa that goes beyond a working relationship. "The exhibition is an attempt to show the full spectrum of life where children are loved, food can be scarce, education is cherished, and laughter and music lie around every corner. Making images such as these takes time. Time spent sitting listening, observing and making connections. Some of the people in these photographs I would call friends, as I would the many generous East Africans, who have helped facilitate access to their communities."



Documentary photography, however rigorous, will always be subjective, and Chew notes that if these images are successful, the viewer will 'see' but, more importantly 'feel' each moment in front of the lens. "It is this deeper engagement that encourages empathy and connection and perhaps help change the lives of millions in need."



F * * K LOSS KISS is open until April 24th, and complementing the exhibition is a FREE public Q&A event, featuring photographer Mark Chew, who will share how each of the images came about, in conversation with Lisa Button, CEO, Community Refugee Australia. Held at fortyfivedownstairs on Saturday, April 5th from 2-3.30pm, this not-to-be-missed event. No RSVP is required.

The exhibition is supported with the screening of a film titled Living Room by Alecia and Archie. Having previously made video art in Melbourne, Alecia and Archie are now in the process of creating a moving image projection piece that aims to uncover what it feels like to be an East African person who has chosen to make London their home.

PLAN YOUR VISIT:

F * * K LOSS KISS by Mark Chew is now open at fortyfivedownstairs.
WHEN: 1 - 24 Apr 2025
TIMES: Tue-Fri 12-7pm, Sat 12-4pm
WHERE: fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
COST: FREE Entry

All Mark Chew's works are for sale. Commissions available.

Discover more at fortyfivedownstairs
Join the Facebook Event.
Follow Mark Chew at @markchew_photography on Instagram.

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