Fraud Blocker
Donate

VILLAGE Hearing the Grass Grow

Head On Photo Festival 2024
Michael Coyne
event-detail-person-vertical
Michael Coyne
This event has concluded
Dates: -
Location: Bondi Beach Promenade, Queen Elizabeth Dr Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Hours:
Entry Fee: Free
Genres: Photojournalism/Documentary

Traditions are disappearing, languages forgotten, and cultures washed away due to urbanisation. This phenomenon is driven by powerful forces: economics, technology, demographics, and, increasingly, climate change. Cities generate material wealth, making urbanisation essential for economic development, while rural areas are perceived mainly as food, energy, and low-cost labour providers. As a result, villagers migrate en masse to urban centres, leading to the wholesale disappearance of village life globally.

Historically, rural villages have been abandoned due to war, famine, and environmental failures. Yet today, there is a stark finality to the decline of rural living. My images document this pivotal moment, capturing the essence of village life while celebrating its richness. In deserts and rainforests, villages vary in shape, size, looks, and smell. There is, however, a constancy in the rhythms of daily life, of simplicity and a compelling sense of community

Rural existence has been a constant throughout human history, from the early days of agriculture to the present. As we move away from these smaller communities, we risk leaving behind a vital part of our collective humanity.

Want to view this Gallery?

Create a free account or log in to see content exclusive to account holders.

Michael Coyne

Michael Coyne, an Australian photographer, has contributed to prominent publications like Newsweek, National Geographic, and Vogue. He has published several successful books, including Village – hearing the grass grow, a twenty-year exploration of rural life changes. His work has been exhibited globally and has earned numerous accolades, such as the Centenary Medal from the Australian Government and a Doctor of Philosophy from Griffith University. Coyne’s awards include honours from the American National Press Photographers Association and the Overseas Press Club of America.

This event has concluded
Dates: -
Location: Bondi Beach Promenade, Queen Elizabeth Dr Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Hours:
Entry Fee: Free
Genres: Photojournalism/Documentary
whatson-img01
Max Mason-Hubers

Festival submissions open now

Submit your work to be considered for solo or group exhibitions in Head On Photo Festival. DEADLINE EXTENDED 8:00pm Monday 24 March

Find out more
bg-ctap-mobile bg-ctap-desktop

Festival submissions

Submit your photo series to be considered for solo or group exhibitions in Head On Photo Festival 2025. Submissions close 11:59pm Sunday 23 March Sydney time (GMT+11)

Submit your work Terms & conditions
Andrea Agostini