THE latest offering by the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery drew a big crowd to its opening night on Friday.
The dual exhibition, Home Ground and Beyond The Boundary, explores the unlikely marriage of Australian Rules football and art.
The large crowd was treated to former Swan Hill locals who have forged successful careers in the high-flying world of professional AFL opening the exhibition.
Josh Jenkins and Michael Willson both played for Lake Boga at different times and took two different paths to reach the top echelons of the game: Mr Jenkins as a player with both the Adelaide Crows and the Geelong Cats and Mr Willson as the chief photographer for the AFL.
“I arrived a little early and was a little worried it was a little bit gloomy, and Swan Hillians, I know them, your Friday night often want to sit on the couch as there was a big game of footy on, but this is a fantastic turnout,” Mr Jenkins said.
“Michael has, arguably, climbed to a higher peak than any player.
“Being the chief photographer for the AFL puts him equivalent to the best player in the AFL.”
Starting out in photography was not his original plan but life takes us on journeys and Mr Willson’s has led to what he considers to be the job of a lifetime.
“I was always a bit of a creative student and studied a graphic design degree and worked as a graphic designer for a number of years before I transitioned to photography,” Mr Willson said.
“I guess I just found a calling for photography and AFL photography in particular.
“There was always the dream to play in a premiership with the Collingwood Football Club but I was able to play in a premiership with the Lake Boga Football Club, which still stands as one of the great days of my life.
“AFL careers tend to have a limited lifespan of about 10 years.
“I am in my 18th season so I consider myself lucky to still be involved in the game despite my age.
“There are a lot of variables that come into photography and especially AFL: there are so many umpires, trainers, water carriers and even seagulls sometimes on the ground that can get in the way of a shot.”
Art gallery director Ian Tully said the exhibitions provided an exciting opportunity for visitors to the gallery to witness the fusion of two beloved passions.
“We are showcasing two exhibitions that focus on Australian Rules football: Home Ground featuring various artists and Beyond the Boundary by Michael Willson,” Mr Tully said.
He said Beyond the Boundary would be complemented by the Home Ground Exhibition.
“Through photography, ceramics, paintings and prints, Home Ground will take the viewer behind the scenes and in many cases beyond the glare of the bright lights to a more contemplative and nuanced interpretation of players and supporters.”
