Déjà vu is a captivating exhibition of C-Type prints featuring a number of large scale images from Mark Forbes' recent monograph Collected memories alongside a handful of images that have not been shared anywhere previously before. The images in Déjà vu explore how photographs evolve into memories over time, shaping personal and shared narratives. Photographed on medium format film, the series reflects mindfulness, storytelling, and the beauty found in life’s fleeting, everyday moments.
The imagery captures ordinary, often overlooked moments that evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. While deeply personal, the collection is designed to connect with viewers on an emotional level, inviting them to project their own stories and experiences onto the works. This interplay between personal history and universal connection lies at the heart of the exhibition.
Mark Forbes is best known for his thoughtful and atmospheric documentary photography of street scenes, urban landscapes, and structures. He primarily uses film as his medium of choice for personal documentary work, favoring traditional medium-format cameras. While the subject matter in the frame is the most immediate focal point, Forbes’ work also engages with deeper layers of meaning.
Opening Event
Join us to celebrate the opening of this exhibition on Saturday 18 January 2pm to 4pm at the Kingston Arts Centre, Moorabbin.
Artist statement
In my general approach to photography, I consider myself an image collector. The vast majority of my photos occur organically, often by happenstance, usually on the way to a different destination. People frequently comment that my photography evokes a sense of déjà vu and longing, even when they know they’ve never been to the places depicted in the images. Yet, there is something deeply familiar—something intangible—that resonates with them. It is this deeper connection with the viewer that I strive to achieve through my photography.
For me, the memories in my images are created through multiple layers of connection.
Foremost, there is the subject matter within the frame. However, other significant factors also come into play—such as a connection to a childhood event, the interplay and relationship of colors, the way light falls on the scene, or even a song playing at the moment or lingering in my mind.
The scenes that I choose to document are clearly ordinary life, commonplace and mundane. However it is the approach to these scenes - the human presence - despite an abject lack of a person, the personality of objects within, the tangible details and the importance of documenting scenes that tend to disappear over time - that for me combine to create the images that are so essential to share.
Delve deeper into the meaning behind the artwork with out program of exhibition events and talks.
G1, G2 and G3 Galleries are wheelchair accessible and accessible toilets are available.