By Laura Michell
Stuart Murdoch has been capturing Sunshine on film since 2000. He will share his photographs with the community at his new exhibition- Silver in Sunshine Stanza One at the Sunshine Art Spaces Gallery from May 7-30.
What’s your connection to Brimbank?
I have called Brimbank home since 2000.
What do you love about living in Sunshine?
I love the diversity of people and the strong sense of multiculturalism. I also like its proximity to the CBD, as well as the fantastic parks and gardens we are lucky to have. Secretly, I like the remnants of its industrial past. In another life, I served my apprenticeship in one of the factories that used to be on Ballarat Road – a long, long time ago. I love all the change that is going on and can’t wait to see what Sunshine shapes up to be.
What, if anything, would you like to change?
Nothing – I love it the way it is. But, of course, changes are happening. Some rapidly, others not so. Well, maybe one thing – the traffic jams that happen on Hampshire Road near the station, shops and transit terminus.
Why did you decide to start capturing Sunshine on film?
It was never a conscious decision. I have been making and taking photographs seriously since 1987. When we bought our house here, there was space to build a darkroom. This enabled me to continue work in the mode I had been since 1987, predominantly with film. Photographing where I lived is what I always did. Watching the demolition of the Britax factory was somewhat of a catalyst, though. I realised I was photographing certain things that either had already disappeared or were going to in the foreseeable future. Digging through my archives, I realised I had photographed traces of things like the former croquet club and the municipal band building. I began looking at my archives and found a lot of images I wanted to share with the community, so I set about making prints of them and then applied to exhibit at the most appropriate space, Sunshine Arts Spaces.
What can people expect from your exhibition?
Fourteen beautifully printed silver gelatin prints that are quietly spoken images which hopefully raise more questions than supply answers.
Is there a particular photograph from your exhibition that stands out to you – and if so, why?
My imagery rarely operates on a stand-alone principal – each picture resonates with the others around it. People may be surprised to see parts of Sunshine they had long forgotten existed. Some of the images were made as long ago as 2006!
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
Well my darkroom, of course! I am also really enjoying the new eateries, coffee shops and bars that are popping up. Places like Sunshine Social, Braybrook Station and the Station Hotel.
