Thus did Michael Caton, quoting Phillip Adams, describe the star of The Rennie Ellis Show to an audience of around 300 at the Monash Gallery of Art on Saturday 5 April. The late, great Rennie Ellis (1940-2003) redefined social documentary photography in Australia over the last three decades of the 20th century, and ten years after his passing his reputation continues to deepen with the launch of this exhibition and publication of two major books – DECADE 1970-1980 and DECADENT 1980-2000 in the past six months.
Robert McFarlane speaking to a full house at the opening of "The Rennie Ellis Show" exhibition and "Decadent" book launch at the MGA
Speakers at the official opening included renowned photographer and critic Robert McFarlane, legendary Sydney social chronicler/diarist William Yang, and actor Michael Caton. All commented on Ellis’ youthful effervescence and inquisitive nature. “He was always there, but was never pushy or judgmental, which was probably why he got so many extraordinary pictures,” said Caton.
Michael Caton speaking at "The Rennie Ellis Show" exhibition and "Decadent" book launch at the MGA
Yang perhaps summarized it best: “Rennie was a good photographer, but more importantly was a warm human being, and it is his humanity that comes across most strongly in the photographs he produced.”
(Yang also had some interesting – indeed controversial - thoughts about the current exhibition scene, opining that the curator has in many cases become more important than the creator, reducing much of the photography seen these days on gallery walls to artistic conceit. He said the Ellis Show proved that pure documentary still has power and relevance and will never go out of fashion. Discuss!)
William Yang speaking at "The Rennie Ellis Show" exhibition and "Decadent" book launch at the MGA
Ellis’ reach spanned all classes of society, and his work showed humanity at its best, worst, silliest and sexiest. He was one of a kind, and this exhibition is the culmination of a decade’s work to bring his archive more prominently into public view, and should be seen by every serious student of photography. It continues until June 3 and will then tour regionally.
Robert McFarlane, Michael Coyne, Stephen Dupont, William Yang and Manuela Furci at "The Rennie Ellis Show" exhibition and "Decadent" book launch at the MGA
DECADE and DECADENT are published by Hardie Grant Books.
Visit the MGA website for further information.
Words and photos by Bill Bachman.