A Performative Paradox
Centre for Contemporary Photography – Melbourne
May 24th, 2013 to July 14th, 2013
Curated by Anne Marsh
In this exhibition, selected by Professor Anne Marsh, a particular thread has been selected across Papapetrou’s practice—that of the performative—from her early documentary work through to her directorial work with her children from 2002 to the present. Papapetrou’s enduring interest, across all her work, is in how the other is represented and how the other performs in reinforcing our own identity. Marilyn Monroe impersonators, Elvis Presley fans, body builders, circus performers, drag queens and children take their turn in front of her camera, visibly at ease in her presence. This exhibition presents Papapetrou’s earlier, perhaps lesser-known black and white work, in the context of her highly-regarded staged photography, and includes previously unseen images from Papapetrou’s early series.