I was born in South Australia in the mid-’50s, a state covering some of the country’s most arid regions. Adelaide was a small parochial city in those days, with less than half a million people. Set halfway between Australia’s east and west coasts, it is surrounded by remote terrain and pretty much cut off from the rest of the world.
During the late ’50s and early ’60s, we spent many family holidays exploring that wild and harsh landscape in our FJ Holden with the caravan bouncing along behind. Childhood memories of holidays, playing in shearing sheds amongst roustabouts surrounded by wide horizons of saltbush and red dust in that barren land, became etched into my brain.
As I grew older and more independent, I was drawn to this type of environment, spending time in small isolated communities and travelling the harsh empty spaces between.
This is a part of that journey.
This exhibition is outdoors. Please check what COVID-19 restrictions are in place before you visit.
Phil Bayly is a Sydney-based photographer who has travelled the world since leaving his hometown in rural South Australia more than 40 years ago. He has documented his journey with a focus on Mexico, Australia and the Pacific.
He studied at the South Australian School of Art in the early ‘70s and received his BVA at James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland, in 1995.
Working predominantly in a reportage style, influenced by Klein and Cartier-Bresson, he seeks to capture the ordinary as extraordinary. His work is intimate and personal, shooting to capture feeling and atmosphere, to preserve the moment.
His current work focuses on documenting traditional indigenous Mezcal producers in remote communities of Mexico.
Phil has exhibited his work individually and collectively since the early ‘80s, in Europe, Australia and Japan. Exhibitions include Mt. Rokko International Photo festival 2017 and Thessaloniki Photo Biennale 2018.
Kickstart our month-long festival of the arts with music, photography, and community on the shores of the dazzling Bondi Beach. Be the first to know who won the 2024 Head On Photo Awards and get a taste of the photographs redefining visual storytelling.
Enthralling. Enchanting. Extraordinary. Discover exceptional photography for free around Sydney during the festival 8 Nov–1 Dec 2024