William Yang: Seeing and Being Seen

William Yang: Seeing and Being Seen is a major survey of the Queensland-born, Sydney-based photographer’s work, at Queensland Art Gallery from March 27-August 22, 2021.

The fascinating free exhibition traces his career from documentary photography through to explorations of cultural and sexual identities and his depictions of landscape.

William Yang’s significant contribution to Australian photography, which spans five decades, has been informed by the cultural and political pressures of growing up as a gay man from a Chinese immigrant family in north Queensland.

Known for his reflective and joyous depictions of Australia’s LGBTQIA+ scene in the late 70s and 80s through to the present, Yang integrates a photographic practice with writing, video and performance (including a newly commissioned spoken word performance) in this stunning exhibition.

Special events include Being Seen: Discussion (GOMA Cinema B) - Aug 18; Seeing and Being Seen: Conversation - William Yang & Benjamin Law (GOMA Cinema A) - Aug 21; and Teens Workshop; Truth, Lies & The Photograph (GOMA Seminar Room) - Apr 16. Note that the latter 2 are ticketed.

QAGOMA is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com

Image credits - top to bottom:

William Yang  Australia, 1943 - Self Portrait #5 2008; Inkjet print on Innova Softex paper; Image courtesy: The artist © William Yang

William Yang  Australia, 1943 - Cate Blanchett: The star in her dressing room. After “Hedda Gabler.” Wharf Theatre. Sydney. 2004 Image courtesy: The artist © William Yang

William Yang  Australia, 1943 - Tamarama Lifesavers 1981 Inkjet print on Hahnemühle Fine Art Pearl Image courtesy: The artist © William Yang

William Yang  Australia, 1943 - Ben Law. Arncliffe 2016/2020 Inkjet print on Ilford Galerie Smooth Cotton Rag Image courtesy: The artist © William Yang