EXHIBITION: HOMEGROUND!

Anne Zahalka, acclaimed photo artist, has brought to the streets of Newtown her exhibition of photo media, Homeground! Her take on the inner suburbs could be seen as a satire of the idiosyncrasies which exist within Australian culture, and our contradictions between acceptance, and tolerance. Installed outside the Coopers Hotel, Zanzibar, The Town Hall and Union Hotel, the exhibition along King Street was quite the journey in itself. There were a few hiccups along the way, I critiqued the wrong artworks in the wrong bar for one. However finally, amongst the colourful backdrop of a Friday night in Newtown, I was able to take a look at Zahalka’s photo media. One could mistake these retro photos of inner city suburbia for old-school alcohol advertisements. The satirical nature of suburban stereotypes made the exhibition worth seeing and humorous for the average Sydney-sider. If you are interested in exploring the cliches attached to various suburbs then consider taking a look at Zahalka’s amusing and interesting conception of Sydney living.

Until May 30, Artist Walk & Talk Sat May 22: meet at 3pm, Coopers Hotel, 221 King St Newtown, Zanzibar (323), Town Hall Hotel (326), Union Hotel (576), zahalkaworld.com.au

BY CLAIRE MARTIN