Rex Dupain: The Colour of Bondi
a selection from his book

Foreword

Internationally recognised photographer Rex Dupain (b.19 54) has been drawn to Bondi beach since he turned his focus to photography in the mid 1990s. Prior to that time Dupain was well regarded on the Sydney art scene as a painter and lecturer, therefore his approach to photography is informed by his experiences with oil paint and brush.

In this latest series, The Colour of Bondi, Rex Dupain has captured every aspect of the famous Bondi strip. Its surfers, bathers, skaters, backpackers, musclemen, sun worshippers, divers and divas co-exist on this iconic beach that seems to define the quintessential Australian lifestyle. The images reveal the beach throughout the seasons from the full glare of the summer sun to the atmospheric stormy skies coupled with the relentless movement of the sea.

The photographs are characterised by intense, saturated colour, strong composition and close observation of the action on the beach. Dupain's sensibility lies in the world of the people who inhabit Bondi with their disparate interests and diverse cultural backgrounds. The images of children, families and youths all take centre stage on the wide yellow sands and promenades that surround the beach. Dupain is seemingly connected to his subjects for the briefest of moments yet his photographs often depict people at times of great concentration and focus - such as in The Frisbee where a young man is anticipating the point where the Frisbee will fall from the sky. The intuitiveness and naturalness of the imagery imbues the works with a real sense of the human condition.

Since its invention over one hundred and fifty years ago photography has clearly changed the way that we see the world. From its origins in recording and documenting it has been transformed into an art form which is constantly developing with technical advancements and innovative practitioners. Rex Dupain is part of a generation of photographers exploring its endless possibilities and The Colour of Bondi is an exhibition to engage and inspire us all. The National Trust's S.H. Ervin Gallery is pleased to present this important series and invite you to enjoy the world of this talented Australian artist.

Jane Watters
Director, S.H. Ervin Gallery