The Manifesto exhibition

Every photograph made today carries traces of the movements that shaped photography between the 1890s and the 1970s. These ways of seeing continue to influence how photographers frame the world, understand light, and construct meaning.

Melbourne : Manifesto is based on this concept and invites viewers to experience Melbourne through the eyes of twenty of history’s most influential photographers from the 1890s to the 1970s. 

Photographer Greg Branson re-imagines the city by creating one photograph for each of these masters — each image inspired by their distinctive style, vision, and philosophy. 

From the evocative, soft-focus sensibility of Alfred Stieglitz’s pictorialism to the raw immediacy of Daidō Moriyama’s streets, Branson translates their creative essence into Melbourne’s urban language.

Through this series, familiar landmarks such as the National Gallery of Victoria, Queen Victoria Market, and the city’s vibrant dining culture are transformed into scenes of reflection, geometry, and emotion. 

These works are not pastiche but homage; each print a study in how vision, temperament, and philosophy shape what we see. Together, they form a collective portrait of Melbourne as muse: restless, reflective, and endlessly photogenic.

All work has been shot on analogue cameras, processed and hand silver gelatin printed by Greg Branson.

Exhibition dates: 4 June - 13 July

Launch
City Library Gallery
253 Flinders Lane 
Melbourne VIC 3000

4th June 5.30 pm

Book your place at the launch.

Exhibition opening hours

Monday - Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday Midday - 4pm

Exhibition launch presentation by Kate Baker

Kate Baker is an Australian fine art photographer. She studied at the Australian Centre of Photography, with further studies under master printers Gordon Undy, Michael A Smith & Paula Chamlee. Since 2005 Kate has exhibited in galleries in Australia and Europe. Her work is held in collections in Australia, the US and Europe. Kate has gallery representation in Berlin.

Embracing monochrome expression within her art, Kate’s handcrafted gelatin silver prints are made by the artist in her darkroom in Warburton. She works primarily with black and white film and uses a range of small, medium and large format cameras. Occasionally, more recently, she is also playing with integrating digital in a hybrid analog process. Paper negatives, Lith printing and collaborating with artists to bring words and images together is current areas of focus. 

Website: www.katejbaker.com

Insta: @katejbaker.