Exhibition LUDLITES LOVE SPACE: THE WORLD THROUGH A PLASTIC LENS V.15 Showcases Lo-Fi Film Photography Inspired by 'Space'

Using photographic film and plastic lens such as the Holga and Diana, and sometimes pinhole cameras, 13 members of the Ludlite photographic collective, all leading photographic artists (12 Australians and 1 Canadian) have explored and interpreted the SPACE theme in a range of creative and unusual ways, with inspirations ranging from outer space to personal space.

These cameras have the ability to make multiple exposures on a single frame of film. This can be controlled but often the random nature of the lo-fi cameras produces quirky layered images. This is something that the Ludlites embrace as it perfectly suits their sci-fi and outer space inspired images, including some inspired by the music of David Bowie and Elton John. Other members of the collective have 'space' in very personal ways, addressing agoraphobia, aquaphobia, overcrowding and health matters.

With over 30 artworks showing in Sydney's TAP Gallery, this exhibition demonstrates the special place this collective of ?lo-fi plastic lens users hold in the contemporary Australian art world. No other collective in the world maintains such an engaging and highly original approach to creating unusual photographic works using such low-tech cameras.

Why do the Ludlites use plastic lens cameras?

"High-end glass lenses that give an evenness In Focus, contrast and colour are now the norm, even in our phones," says Tim Hixson, one of the founding Ludlites, "but we strive for the imperfection that is possible from shooting with a low-grade lens and film. You learn to 'feel' the effect of the light and trust your instincts then wait for the lab before you know you have a worthy image. The dreamy quality is something that many phone apps and the filters on Instagram actually attempt to replicate."

Many Ludlites use plastic cameras as an antidote to constant digital perfection.

"Sometimes the worse my negatives turn out the more excited I am", offers Ludlite Patrick Boland. "It's nice to have a little unpredictability in your life. I encourage this by using expired film, hoping its ageing emulsion will take me somewhere new.

Ludlite Katrina Crook says, "I love creating a situation where I can create images on a completely instinctual level. Whilst needing technical experience and photographic knowledge to make creative decisions I can then throw out the rulebook. The fun when using lm and plastic cameras is realising it takes on a life of its own and I adore fully embracing the unpredictability and subsequent emotive results."

The 13 Ludlites exhibiting in SPACE are:
Natalie Blom, Patrick Boland, Katrina Crook, Steven Godbee, Tim Hixson, Carolinna Lee, Sally Mayman, Vanessa Power, Craig Proudfoot, Bradley Shaw, John Wallace, Yvette Worboys & Trevor Ydreos (Canada).

The Ludlites dedicate this show to headspace. A percentage of works sold at the opening will be donated to the Brookvale branch of headspace and donations will be accepted to help the work of this important organisation.

Headspace provides youth mental health services and support for Australians ages 12 to 25 and their families. At the Brookvale centre young people are supported, given face to face information and offered numerous services. These include psychologists, sexual health, drug and alcohol workers. Headspace helps young people deal with the changes and challenges life throws at up while providing tools to live a positive and meaningful life.

To post a comment, you must register and login.