John McRae Photography & Studio

Construction has begun on a world-class performing arts centre and multi-use entertainment space in Rooty Hill. It is deemed the biggest cultural development to hit Western Sydney. The centre is set to become an icon for the West, with construction due for completion in late 2019.

The project has been designed by Cox Architecture and is currently under the construction expertise of Hansen Yuncken.

Hansen Yuncken commissioned me to capture some mid-construction images of the work in progress.

The complex which houses the Sydney Coliseum Theatre will offer some impressive facilities:

• Multi-modes theatre capable of hosting musical, dramatic theatre, live music and more.
• Nine metre Proscenium Arch offering the latest in front and back of house technical capabilities.
• World’s best practise technology including full immersive sound and acoustic design
• the latest in state of the art theatre technology and sustainable LED lighting
• 80 line fly system (important for international standard productions)
• Orchestra pit for 30
• Excellent sight-lines
• Rehearsal room and production office with stage access
• Comfortable and spacious production amenities including 11 dressing rooms
• Adjacent 4&1/2 star Novotel Hotel offering 164 rooms

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The two leading ladies of Australian theatre and cabaret are at it again. Firstly, it was ABBA-SOLUTELY FABULOUS. You may remember……

It is always a pleasure to work with these talented woman of the entertainment world. There’s no stopping Rhonda and Lara’s comic wit and sense of good fun which they freely share with all. They have a new show called “Partners in Crime” and they will be touring nationally.

Doing the photography has given me a glimpse of what’s in store and I can tell you it will be hysterical. Thanks to talents of James Carroll for the design work on the poster.

Go to: www.rhondaburchmore.com to see the venues and dates and BOOK IN quickly for a fabulous night out.

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How exciting….I been selected as a semi-finalist in the Head On Photo Awards 2019.

The image will be projected on screen with other semi-finalist’s images at the Paddington Town Hall between 4 May – 19 May, 2019.

Artist Statement:

As part of my investigation into stereotypes and identity I photographed Jaden, a young Aboriginal man of the Wiradjuri Nation, dressed in middle eastern clothing.  With Jaden’s consent, I then draped him in an Aboriginal flag as a symbol of how he identifies.  Afterwards when I showed this photograph to a group of white middle class Australians, I asked them if they thought this was a portrait of an Arab man.  Most thought it was.  I replied, “He’s not an Arab but can you tell me how he identifies?  There’s an obvious clue, it’s draped over his head”.  I am left puzzled that most people still don’t see it.

I made a trip down to Victoria over the Easter break. My family hail from the dry, flat region of the Wimmera Mallee and I joined my sister and brother on a small farm at the foot of the Grampian mountain range, near the village of Dadswells Bridge.

Here a few images from the trip……

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I went to the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Williamstown in Melbourne……..

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I recently photographed the completed refurbishment of several facilities at Macquarie University. An entire fit-out was executed in the buildings of the International College, including testing rooms at the English Language College.

It was a thrill to photograph this project. Prime Constructions meticulously implemented the designs of Marc Oberhauser of Gardner Wetherill and Associates, the architect.

If only design was this good when I was at University all those years ago…..

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On Sunday I woke up to the sad news that Ron Austin had passed away on the weekend at the age of 90.

Ron was a gay rights activist and a member of the legendary 78’ers. He played a major role in the beginnings of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, which took place in 1978 after his famous words, “Why don’t we have a street party?” The rest is history.

I had the pleasure of working with this humble, joyous man in 2012. Ron was one of the portrait models I photographed in a celebratory mood as part of the 2012 Mardi Gras promotional campaign.

RIP Ron Austin

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I recently spent a very busy and rewarding day at the ACON headquarters near Sydney’s Central Station, taking proud and confident portraits of some of the members of our trans and gender diverse community in an informal, temporary studio on the third floor. The single portraits and group shots of Riri, Brielle, Te, Andrew, Peta, Sage, Emily, Farren and more than 30 other models are being published as part of an important document and campaign aimed at improving health issues for this particular group of our fellow human beings.

It is an uplifting and joyful experience to be able to photograph a group of socially-aware, ground-breaking people from such diverse backgrounds. The open-hearted, positive campaign initiated by ACON is so powerful that several of the models decided they would allow themselves to be professionally photographed for the very first time. I am very proud to be part of this process.

The new health strategy released by ACON aims to address key health issues and barriers experienced by trans and gender diverse (TGD) people. It was launched in April at Parliament House. The landmark “Blueprint for Improving the Health & Wellbeing of the Trans & Gender Diverse Community in NSW” provides a detailed overview of the health issues facing TGD people, and outlines key priority action areas that need to be addressed and implemented to ensure their health and wellbeing. To view the blueprint go to: acon.org.au

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Two of my portraits have been included in the show “photo + illuminate + paint” at the Zed Gallery in Glebe, an artist run space that mixes visuals with music. The exhibition will run through April with my portrait of Obed (from my “Spot the Arab” series) and a work called “One Nation”, addressing the bizarre nature of politics today.

Artist Statement:  Obed Karwhin is a sportsman who hopes to become the first full-blooded African rugby league star to play professionally in Australia. Training with the Redcliffe Dolphins, it’s a far cry from the horrors of civil war and escaping as a refugee to Guinea.

This work is part of my series entitled, “Spot the Arab” an ongoing series investigating contemporary concepts of stigma and discrimination in our society.  I created a portrait of Obed dressed in Middle Eastern clothing and asked him if he identified as Arab or not. The challenge for the viewer is to decide for themselves how Obed has responded to the question.

One Eyed Man Production’s latest conquest is Monty Python’s “Spamalot” (book and lyrics by Eric Idle, Music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle) at the Hayes Theatre in Potts Point. I worked on a series of new production shots in Sydney.

It was an absolutely a fun gig to shoot and it kept me on my toes the entire performance, with actors entering and exiting from all directions.

I was given the opportunity to be part of the audience to see the show on opening night a few days later. I loved every minute of the silliness and antics on stage.

Spamalot is now showing at the Hayes Theatre in Potts Point. Book tickets!

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MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT

Book & lyrics by Eric Idle, Music by John du Prez and Eric Idle

A new musical lovingly ripped off from the Motion Picture
Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Presented by One Eyed Man Productions in association with Hayes Theatre

Director Richard Carroll
Choreographer Cameron Mitchell
Musical Supervisor Conrad Hamill
Designer Emma Vine
Lighting Designer Katie Sfetkidis
Associate Producer Michelle Guthrie
Production Manager Carl McKinnon
Stage Manager Gayda de Mesa
Assistant Stage Manager Bronte MacInnes

Cast includes Marty Alix, Blake Appelqvist, Cramer Cain, Rob Johnson, Josie Lane, Aaron Tsindos, Bishanyia Vincent and Jane Watt

From the lunatics who brought you Calamity Jane

Click here to book ticket for Spamalot

Rather than photographing the parade, this year at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, I photographed the spectators gathered at Taylors Square, the hub of the procession.

I embraced the importance of an event where people from all different walks of life come together to celebrate a sense of community with joy and pride. It’s more than political. It not only reinforces the idea we are all in this together it provides an opportunity to shed the hum-drum and throw your hands in the air without shame.

The following crowd images are a quick selection of some of my favorites….

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More images can be seen at: Click here