Henri Mallard At Work
Coming up to the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Henri Mallard’s photographs and film record more than a significant public works project but a monumental Australian undertaking.
The design of the bridge itself offered all kinds of photographic possibilities and Mallard has taken them all. From closely cropped images of work being undertaken and of the workmen involved, the use of the lattice of cross beams and the arches, to panoramic vistas of the harbour, the boats and ferries below and of workmen suspended between the two. They are gritty, heroic and stunning in equal portions.
As good as the images are in and of themselves, much is added by the film that goes with the exhibition. While requiring 20 minutes of attention, the time is well spent as they not only place in great context many of the photographs, giving them greater meaning, but the sheer engineering and logistical genius involved in making the project happen is made plain. The quality of the commentary is hard to believe in this day or professional voice overs and documentaries but for raw authenticity this is terrific stuff.
When one appreciates that the safety concerns of the Chief Engineer, Bradfield, almost prevented this record being made, the fact this was the first such undertaking of a project like this by an art photographer in this country and the equipment involved was all somewhat new in itself, these are the works of a dedicated artist who knew what to record and where and how to get it. The results are quite memorable.
Whether viewed as a record of a great Australian achievement done in the depression (that also cost 17 lives) or of a committed and brave artist working in the industrial aesthetic of the time, this exhibition is stirring stuff and worthy of a visit.
[Images shown are allHenri Mallard Untitled c. 1930
Photographic Images © Paul Mallard and the Australian Centre for Photography
Kryztoff’s Rating 4.5K
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