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Catch the wave of Australian Surf Counter Culture

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

7 May-1 Jun '08
Dickerson Gallery
2a Waltham Street
Richmond VIC, 3131

The exhibition features a collection of photographs spanning the mid '60s to 1976, and with titles including Nat at Winkipop (1969), Bob McTavish, big Bells (1965) and Midget at Palm Beach (mid '60s), it is a stunning and often humorous depiction (those outfits, those haircuts!) of the true pioneers of Australian surfing.

The medium format photographs capture Australia's early surfers riding monster waves that would put a shiver down the spine of the Kelly Slaters and Mick Fannings of today, and without the luxury of wetsuits, the safety of leg ropes or the ease of jet-skis, remind us of the bravery or lunacy inherent in that first generation of Australian surfers.

A house at Torquay (c.1970) depicts a group of laconic young surfers capable of stealing the heart of every teenage girl in Australia, (incurring the wrath of every teenage girl's father in the process), while The locals at Angourie (early 1970s) captures beautifully the despair and disappointment when surfers find themselves at a perfect break surrounded by incredible natural beauty, but one where the waves have failed to materialise. Nat at Fishos, Victoria (1965) is the simple reason why the act of standing on a board and riding a wave is in our blood, and something Australians from all walks of life will continue to do in growing numbers.

Witzig's photographs document a vital period in the history of Australian surfing, comprising a collection of moments featuring golden young gods easily illuminated against the darkness of Vietnam and the social upheaval that followed. A time when a surfer caught the occasionally perfect wave and someone was watching.

Whether it's photography, graffiti or paintings by the old Masters, we'll tell you the what where and when of some of the best exhibitions in town via the Citysearch Arts tab in your city. Start Citysearching today.

Cath Pope
Managing Editor, Citysearch