Exhibition: Melbourne Manifesto – Greg Branson

The Melbourne : Manifesto asks a simple question: what would happen if the photographers who shaped modern photography were invited to photograph Melbourne today? Spanning ten photographic movements from Pictorialism to New Topographics, the exhibition reinterprets iconic Melbourne locations through the philosophies of 20 influential photographers. Greg Branson created the 20 analogue prints using traditional darkroom printing. Each image is a contemporary photograph and a conversation across time, revealing how the ideas of earlier generations continue to influence the way photographers see and describe the world.

Exhibition catalogue.

Photograph above: Greg Branson Skyline of excess. The towering modern high-rise beside historic architecture of Melbourne’s first Catholic cathedral reveals a city in transition. NOLON (North of Lonsdale) precinct is reputed to be the most densely populated precinct in Australia.

The church spires seem to give a salute to the towers while their dark facade obscures the cross on the church. Inspiration Berenice Abbott.

City Library Gallery. Melbourne until 13 July 2026