People Power – Platon is a comprehensive world-first exclusive-to-Ballarat.
Alongside international photographic artists Yvonne Todd and Erik Johansson, and pop culture polaroid portraits from Andy Warhol, the arresting work of international portrait photographer Platon will headline the 10th Ballarat International Foto Biennale.
People Power – Platon is a comprehensive world-first exclusive-to-Ballarat exhibition of over 120 portraits of the people who have shaped our world.
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From the cool gaze of Putin to the contortion of Gaddafi, the art and expression of Vivienne Westwood, the influence of Yoko Ono, the dynamism of Prince, the courage of Michelle Obama, the power of Adele, the striking features of Cate Blanchett, the memorable Kevin Rudd and his campaigns, the rebellion of Pussy Riot – Platon’s work is powerful.
“There is power not just in the images we make but also in the narrative. I am looking forward to sharing my stories and those of people who face incredible odds in the world but can still emerge with great compassion and kindness” – Platon
CEO of Ballarat International Foto Biennale Vanessa Gerrans said: “We are honoured to bring Platon and his work to Australia for the first time and give our audiences the opportunity to come face to face with these extraordinary portraits. This is an exclusive chance to hear Platon speak in person about his studio and humanitarian work.”
Platon’s iconic photographs may seem familiar as many have appeared on covers and pages of leading magazines around the world including George, Vanity Fair, GQ, New York Times, The New Yorker, and British Vogue. In 2007 alone, Platon shot more than twenty covers for Time magazine including Russian President Vladimir Putin for Time Magazine’s Person of the Year.
Platon has been a staff photographer for The New Yorker since 2008. He serves as the Creative Director at Large for the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA, is a member of the board for Arts and Culture at the World Economic Forum and serves as a steward for the Economic Growth and Social Inclusion Initiative.
In 2013, Platon founded the not-for-profit organisation The People’s Portfolio to document humanitarian efforts around the world. His portfolios include photographs of Burmese victims and exiles, Egyptian revolutionaries, and those fighting against oppression in Russia.
Ballarat International Foto Biennale continues to be Australia’s most significant and prestigious photographic festival, bringing us exhibitions that lead the conversation about photography in the world.
Now celebrating its 10th festival, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale attracts incredible international and Australian photographers, enriching the cultural landscape of regional Victoria every two years.
People Power – Platon is a Ballarat International Foto Biennale exhibition created in partnership with Platon Studio. The exhibition will be on display at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard Street North from 26 August – 22 October 2023.
