Photographer and artist Victoria Zschommler has always been drawn to photography, and after studying at school, learnt from fashion photographers in Australia before embarking on a journey to London. She had a successful commercial photography career working for the likes of Vogue, Vanity Fair, H&M, Burberry (and many many impressive others!). Returning to Australia this year presented Victoria with an opportunity to spend more time on her own work, and to realise a project she has been mulling over for several years.
About A Day (Diurnal Rhythms) sees Victoria collaborate with Melbourne florist Lottie Phillips, and uses evocative floral still life photographs to capture a three part narrative – from dawn, to vibrant day, and final fading decay. Victoria explains the project as a ‘story of the passing of time’ that aims to bring attention to small fleeting moments of our days. For Victoria, the exhibition is about highlighting the preciousness of the overlooked – the momentary joy of a sunrise, or the fast life of a flower.
Victoria and Lottie are old friends, and this collaboration developed with ease. The project was shot over the space of the year, with the initial sunrise images created at the Mornington Peninsula, and unexpectedly shaping the narrative of the exhibition. By the third shoot of the desaturated and subdued flowers, the idea of life cycles and time lapse naturally emerged!
The exhibition captures a European sensibility in referencing the old masters style of still life paintings, photographed in glowing Australian light! Victoria highlights ‘I couldn’t have made this series in the same way anywhere else in the world.’
The exhibition opening will feature installations by Lottie, that mimic the flowers in the series, displayed to decay in real time over the duration of the show. The richly textured photographs are brought to life by their 3D counterparts, as a gentle reminder to stop, pause and appreciate the experience of time passing.
About A Day (Diurnal Rhythms)
Opening 6pm – 9pm November 22nd
Exhibition runs 12 – 6pm daily from November 22nd – 29th
At the above
Level 1, 198 Gertrude Street
Fitzroy, Victoria
