PA/39/10                                                    18 June 2010

Crossing Paths

Exhibition of images by Australian photojournalists in South Asia launched in New Delhi

The Australian High Commissioner to India, Peter Varghese, today launched an exhibition of images by Australian photojournalists working in India and the South Asian region.

The exhibition, titled ‘Crossing Paths’ is a collection of images by three of Australia’s finest photojournalists, Daniel Berehulak, Graham Crouch and Adam Ferguson and long-time ABC cameraman, Wayne McAllister.

Crossing Paths features a variety of images of South Asia, from the mountains of Afghanistan to the streets of Kolkata and from wintry Delhi to Islamabad. The images not only celebrate the region and its people but also confront its challenges.

Speaking about the exhibition, Mr Varghese said, “The images in this exhibition are a testament to the talent and inquisitiveness of these Australian photographers”.

“They contain great humanity and compassion. And at the same time they send a message to newspaper readers around the world about the important rise of modern India and its sometimes complicated region”,

"For all the economic statistics and demographic facts, it is only through such images that one can truly grasp the glorious reality of modern India. India’s continuing rise is one of the great stories of this century and the latter part of the last", added Mr Varghese.

All four photographers are award winners and are currently resident in India.

Curator Graham Crouch said "having backpacked in the region as a younger man I wasn't truly aware of the incredibly complex and diverse nature of the societies in South Asia.”

“Working here as a professional has been a unique opportunity to examine the workings of the communities and document them at close quarters, for better or worse, at first hand.”

“It may be a cliché but it doesn't make it any less truthful; nobody can visit any of the countries of South Asia and leave without having had a life changing experience. I hope some of my photographs will convey that wonder”, said Mr Graham Crouch.

Adam Ferguson, who has worked extensively in Afghanistan noted, “There are so many tensions that exist, both social and political, that challenge my preconceived notions of humanity. This causes me to ask more questions of myself and the way I see the world. I have to constantly reevaluate my position, reevaluate the way I translate life into photographic history".

"It's an extreme physical, emotional and professional learning curve. It's about as far removed as one can be from the middle class Australia I grew up in, so there is a constant disorientation, and it can be no other way. The disorientation carries an exhaustion that takes you to a place where you make pictures fueled by very raw emotions. There is no room for pretentious art, or mindless execution, just an evolution of human understanding."

Wayne McAllister, cameraman for the ABC's South Asia Bureau, said “a posting like this only comes around once every so often and I know I have to make the most of it
while I can. At no other time in my life have I experienced such intense feelings, seen such unbelievably inspiring landscapes, and been a part of such colourful ceremonies and events. India is a big bamboo ladder to climb down from.”

Crossing Paths will travel to other Indian cities before visiting South Asian regional capitals.

The exhibition will be on view at the Australian High Commission, Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri, New Delhi, from 21 June- 2 July, Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

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