On Thursday 21 August, the Photography Studies College (PSC) campus studio hosted SUBTEXT: Photobook Launch & Exhibition, an evening that celebrated the creativity, diversity, and innovation of contemporary photobook practice. From 5:30pm–8:00pm, the studio welcomed students, alumni, industry professionals, and photography enthusiasts to explore new projects and engage in conversations about image-making and publishing.
The event opened with an address by Dan Rule of Perimeter Editions, who reflected on the significance of photobooks in shaping both local and international photographic culture. His insights set the tone for the night, foregrounding the photobook as a medium that thrives on collaboration, experimentation, and dialogue.
Students from PSC’s Bachelor and Master of Arts Photography programs followed with short talks about their projects. These presentations provided intimate insights into each artist’s creative process, from concept and sequencing to design and production. The audience gained a behind-the-scenes look at the personal and artistic journeys that shaped the books on display.
Throughout the studio, large-scale prints and photobooks filled the space, inviting visitors to browse, discuss, and engage with the work firsthand. Alumni contributions added a rich layer of continuity, showing how PSC graduates continue to contribute to and influence photobook culture well beyond their studies.
The exhibition was further elevated by the inclusion of the Australian & New Zealand Photobook Award archive, generously loaned by Photo Collective. This archive contextualised the students’ projects within a broader cultural framework, reinforcing the importance of photobooks as both an artistic and community-driven practice.
SUBTEXT was not only about viewing work, but also about connection. Guests enjoyed drinks and informal book signings, sparking conversations between emerging photographers, peers, and industry figures. The event highlighted PSC’s role as a hub for collaboration and exchange, strengthening ties within the photographic community.
With SUBTEXT, PSC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting student and graduate practice while contributing to the growth of an ever-expanding photobook culture. The evening was a vibrant reminder of the power of the photobook to capture ideas, foster dialogue, and bring people together.