THE curious and quirky nuances of Mount Gambier residents have been captured in a new photography exhibition which uses photographs to tell colourful stories in a thousand words – and then some.
From pole-swinging pensioners to roller girls, Kate Hill’s photography exhibition The Locals shares the lesser-known stories of 12 Limestone Coast residents at random locations across the Blue Lake city.
Funded by Mount Gambier City Council’s Creative Arts Fund, Ms Hill said the project started around four months ago when planning for Fringe Mount Gambier.
“I was having a coffee with Ben Deering – who features in the exhibition – and we were yabbering away for about an hour before I saw something move under his jacket,” she said.
“I asked him what it was and turned out to be his little 18-year-old dog Max and he started telling me about his story.
“It made me realise there were all these local people around that have great stories which needed to be told.”
With an interest in photojournalism since 18 years of age, Ms Hill said she loved the art of telling stories through images.
“The exhibition is based on everyday people with a story to tell, whether it be because it is quirky, advice or a hidden side which people might not know about,” she said.
“I love writing good news and it is cool just helping people discover something about someone they might see down the street.
“I describe it as a bit of a story-telling hunt because the idea is to find a photograph you like, get curious about the person in it and then hunt for the story.”
Launched just as the COVID-19 outbreak took hold, Ms Hill said the timing was strangely convenient for the exhibition.
“Ironically, even though I did not plan it this way, it has turned out to be entirely suited to the current landscape,” she said.
“It was originally part of the Fringe Mount Gambier calendar and it was so crushing to watch event after event get cancelled.
“I just decided The Locals was going to continue no matter what… I thought it was really important for community morale and because it was a good news project.”
Ms Hill said the exhibition was COVID-19 friendly and can be viewed outdoors, from a safe social distance at venues and from home self-isolation.
“It is really bizarre, but it feels right because something needed to happen which put a smile on people’s faces,” she said.
“I am keeping tabs on the most popular stories, which is actually quite funny to find what people are interested in most.
“So far, the Pensioners of Dismal Swamp are leading web-count visits which I think it is probably because it involves two rather fabulous old folks, half naked, sliding down a fireman’s pole.”
With businesses impacted heavily by the global pandemic, Ms Hill said it was important to show support.
“The great thing about this exhibition is that it also put money in the pockets of small businesses,” Ms Hill said.
“I run a small business myself and I understand personally where people are coming from with income dropping dramatically.
“I had everything printed through small businesses and the exhibition will be on display at Bay Blue Expresso Bar and random city places.”
Ms Hill said there were plans to expand the project for Fringe Mount Gambier 2021.
“I had about 15 or 20 people who said they would be a maybe so I think there might be a The Locals 2 next year,” she said.
“There are just so many characters and good stories out there which need to be told.
“I think I will build on it and see if there is a way we can display the exhibition on a more permanent basis.”
The exhibition can be viewed online at katehillcreative.com.au/thelocals, by visiting Bay Blue Espresso Bar or hunting for random installations until April 16.
