DREAMWORLD: Aldona Kmiec's exhibition Introspective aims to carry its audience away to an alternate world. Picture: Kate Healy
WHEN Aldona Kmiec came across her friend’s unique collection of absurd yet dream-like objects, it gave her an idea for an upcoming body of work.
“I was visiting my friend and she collects unique pieces like unicorn hats and I thought, I’m going to do a project on that one day.”
Now, her idea has come to fruition with her latest photo exhibition Introspective.
The show currently features six photographs of local artists, each submerged in their own mystical dreams and surrounded by beautiful local landscapes.
Kmiec said she hoped the photos transported her audience into another world.
“I’ve tried to catch a glimpse of their personalities in the Australian landscape with a glimpse of the surreal world we all live in and how dreams have a connection with the real world,” Kmiec said.
“It’s a difficult task to show someone’s personality. You have to know them and connect with them on a deep and personal level and capture something that resonates with you.”
Kmiec said most of the photos exhibited were taken during the winter months and highlighted the dramatic weather and muted colours.
Her piece entitled Unicorns Are Real has already been selected as a finalist in the inaugural Maggie Diaz Photography Prize for Women, set to take place next month.
Kmiec said she hoped to expand the number of works in Introspective in the near future.
“I’m really proud to have made this body of work that showcases our local people and what they do,” she said.
Kmiec is one of more than 25 local photographers participating in the Ballarat International Foto Biennale fringe program.
Jeff Moorfoot, Jeremy Bannister, Amy Tsilemanis, Neville Hiatt, Damien Orriss, and Jade Smithard are among some of the other locals exhibiting as part of the program.
The Ballarat International Foto Biennale fringe program provides photographers of all levels of experience the chance to have their work showcased with some of the best photographers in the world.
The fringe exhibitions run alongside the core program and will be held in more than 80 venues across Ballarat until September 20.
Special fringe program events will be held at the Fringe Hub at Mr Rede cafe and restaurant every Friday to Sunday.
Through the fringe program, the BIFB is able to fulfill its mission to promote photography in all its forms while also supporting amateur artists build their careers.
For more information, visit ballaratfoto.org