As one of the most multicultural countries in the world, Australia has inspired many artists to reexamine and navigate the country’s troubled colonial history in the context of questions about identity, belonging, and the continent’s increasingly fragile ecosystems. Under a Southern Star: Identity and Environment in Australian Photography showcases the work of twelve contemporary Australian artists together with earlier, iconic photographs related to Australia’s history. The juxtaposition of photographs across time illustrates changing views of cultural and national identity-most notably, the primacy of Aboriginal culture in the Australian experience. Comprising works employing a wide array of visually arresting photographic techniques- including Lumachrome glass printing and AI animation-the exhibition traces photography’s evolution as it explores themes such as migration, settler colonialism, landscape, environmental degradation, and portraiture.

Art on Hulfish is made possible by the leadership support of Annette Merle-Smith and Princeton University. Generous support is also provided by William S. Fisher, Class of 1979, and Sakurako Fisher; J. Bryan King, Class of 1993; John Diekman, Class of 1965, and Susan Diekman; Julie and Kevin Callaghan, Class of 1983; Annie Robinson Woods, Class of 1988; Barbara and Gerald Essig; Rachelle Belfer Malkin, Class of 1986, and Anthony E. Malkin; the Curtis W. McGraw Foundation; Tom Tuttle, Class of 1988, and Mila Tuttle; Nancy A. Nasher, Class of 1976, and David J. Haemisegger, Class of 1976; the Len & Laura Berlik Foundation; Gene Locks, Class of 1959, and Sueyun Locks; and Palmer Square Management.  

Under a Southern Star: Identity and Environment in Australian Photography is curated by Deborah Klochko, former executive director and chief curator, Museum of Photographic Arts at San Diego Museum of Art; and Graham Howe, founder and CEO, Curatorial Exhibitions; with Ashley Lumb, independent curator. This exhibition was originated by the Museum of Photographic Arts at San Diego Museum of Art, with generous support from the Farrell Family Foundation and is toured by Curatorial Exhibitions, Pasadena, California.