Community
7 March, 2025
Monochrome memories on show
A PHOTOGRAPHER is exploring his past through black and white photographs for this month’s exhibition at the Camperdown Courthouse, inviting residents to reflect on their own pasts.
Patrick Caruana’s exhibition ‘Memories and Musings: A Study in Monochrome’ features a variety of images from the Corangamite Shire and further afield, all of which are linked by their connections to Mr Caruana’s past.
“I have, been a photographer for many years, and over the last few years, as I’ve gotten older I have returned to black and white and monochrome imaging,” he said.
“I have noticed, over the past few years since I’ve moved down here, I was searching for older things and things that brought back memories of movies, books, music and other things from my past.
“That inspired this collection of photography I’ve got on exhibition.”
Mr Caruana has been taking photographs for fifty-five years, with a focus on natural landscapes and architecture.
The exhibition at the courthouse showcases the various influences and cultural references Mr Caruana has encountered in his life, from Charles Dickins’ 1866 horror/mystery short story ‘The Signalman’ to 1975 action film ‘The Man from Hong Kong’.
Mr Caruana said he hopes to inspire memories of residents’ pasts and prompt their imaginations through his monochrome phtographs.
“For younger people, I hope it gives them a bit of an insight into past times and encourage them to seek out the movies, books and music that inspired me to take these photos and enjoy those cultural things themselves,” he said.
“Look around you and enjoy the beautiful location that we live in – the Corangamite shire has got so much natural beauty and so much man-made beauty in the architecture in the buildings.
“Stop, be a little bit slower, and take it all in and enjoy it.
“When you look at it, it’s quite beautiful. Some of the photos I’ve taken is a little bit further north – around Geelong and the Bellarine – when you’re travelling, enjoy that as well.
“I’d like to thank everybody that has a look and takes the time to enjoy the exhibition.”
Mr Caruana’s exhibition will be on display at 181 Manifold Street, Camperdown throughout March.
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