Exhibition: On the street where I live – Viva Gibb

‘On the street where I live showcases the photography of artist Viva Jillian Gibb (1945–2017). Between the mid-1970s and early 1990s she documented the suburbs of North and West Melbourne, where she lived. For nearly two decades, this was the primary focus of her work. Jewel-like portraits predominate, with her subjects set in a distinctive inner-suburban landscape. Grounded in her strong social and political convictions, Gibb created a sympathetic portrait of the community during a transformative period in Melbourne’s history. 

The exhibition draws on a generous donation of more than 200 of Gibb’s photographs to Melbourne Art Trust in 2025. It was made by the artist’s children, Sybil Gibb and Rupert Duffy. The exhibition, curated by Savannah Smith, examines this significant body of work and re-introduces the sophisticated practice of an artist whose photographs have largely lain dormant for 30 years’.  Savannah Smith curator.

Photograph above: Viva Gibb – 64 Chapel Street. North Melbourne c 1975. Silver gelatin print.

City Gallery. Melbourne. 5 March – 7 August 2026