PSC Senior Fellow Michael Coyne represented PSC at the opening of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale over the weekend. Here are some of his highlights:

"I have just visited the Ballarat International Foto Biennale for the second time in a week. They have a great collection of shows and I'm going to return next week so I can see some of the shows I missed. The experience of walking into the main venue, The Mining Exchange and seeing Shrouds, fluttering from the roof is alone worth being at the festival. This exhibition by the Columbian photographer Erika Diettes is a beautiful collection of work.  Contrast this with surreal off the wall images of Youngho Kang an exciting South Korean photographer.

Erika Diettes - Columbia - Shrouds

Youngho Kang - South Korea - 99 Variations

Hanging behind this show is the very masterly crafted work of the late John Cato. When you see these exquisite black & white prints of landscapes, trees and rocks you can appreciate the quality that can be achieved with a 5 x 4 film camera. The other show that I managed to catch was the portraits of Doc Ross. Doc has as a reputation for being the most prolific art photographer in New Zealand. Drop into the Art Gallery see Doc’s images and get a visual lesson on how portraits should be produced. I look forward to my next trip to the BIFF for some more sensual excitement."

Paul Cox opens John Cato show

Doc Ross - New Zealand - 37 Portraits

Visit the BIFB website to download the festival program.