Perth Voice Interactive

IN the early 1950s the WA health department warned new mums: “don’t praise Baby so that he can hear, because he can understand before he can speak”. It also warns mothers (never fathers, nor parents) not to dawdle over undressing or bathing baby.

That photographer and lecturer Kevin Ballantine has the material on his web profile page probably says a lot about the man who established photography at Edith Cowan University back in the 1980s–I’m just not sure what it does say.

Zipping from topic to topic at a rapid-fire speed during our interview, he certainly has some vocal and wide-ranging thoughts on photography in WA, although he often chooses to voice them through his alter ego Arno Blax.

Arno for the Florence river and Blax because so many prominent photographers have an X in their name.

“So I needed an X,” Ballantine—or perhaps Blax—tells the Voice.

Along with a swag of photographers across Australia, and a couple from overseas, he’s donated two of his works to this year’s Perth Centre for Photography’s end-of-year fundraising exhibition Collective.
And although one is a tongue-in-cheek jab at PCP for not selecting Blax’s Green Man for inclusion in the Iris Awards for portraiture, he strongly supports the organisation.

“PCP has been vital for photography in Perth, without its support our work would be unsustainable,” Ballantine says.

PCP was established in 1992 to promote and support emerging and established photo-based art in WA.

Eclectic

In its fifth year Collective attracts an eclectic mix of local, eastern states and overseas artists, director Christine Tomas says.

“As well as art lovers, collectors and curators looking to adorn their walls at home, offices or to simply add to their collections.”

Some donated works were set to be auctioned Thursday, but many of the more than 75 will be part of a silent auction, which closes December 21.

It’s a chance for those who love photography to pick up an artwork at affordable prices, Ms Thomas says.

The money raised helps keep PCP afloat, but a percentage will go back to the artists/photographers, Ms Tomas says: “To cover costs and recoup.”

You can lodge a bid, or simply check out the artworks at PCP, 100 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge, Thursday and Friday 12 noon–5pm, and Saturday, Sunday noon–4pm. Entry free.

by JENNY D’ANGER