A celebration of community will be on display from this Friday at Rosa Brook Hall when Steve Blakeney officially opens his ‘9 Mile’ exhibition.
A part of the Open Studios event, Blakeney has captured images of the people and personalities within the Rosa Brook community, taken within a 4.5 mile range of Darnell’s General Store.
Describing the area as the social hub of Rosa Brook between the general store and the town hall, Blakeney sought to offer a unique outlook on the individuals within the tight knit area through the personal project.
“It’s about people who work and live in the community,” Blakeney said.
Featuring 27 portraits and more than 6 landscapes, Blakeney was overwhelmed by the support shown towards the concept.
“I was a bit apprehensive about approaching people to be a part of the project,” Blakeney said.
“They’ve just embraced it, totally.”
Blakeney said people have even contacted him wishing to be included in the exhibition, something he didn’t expect to happen.
“It’s a very unique community and it’s maintained its integrity,” Blakeney said.
He said he was particularly inspired by the campaigning for the town hall to stay in the hands of the community, with the people of Rosa Brook now owning the hall and caring for it.
Blakeney has been inspired by the diverse group of people who are the lifeblood of the area, some of which he said have been in the area for generations.
With his final thoughts being to come along and check out the area that you live in, Blakeney will have his focussed series on display after opening night April 11-27, 10am-4pm every day except Wednesdays.
