The complete history of Australian fashion photography is to be scrutinized in-depth for the first time in a three-year $123,000 University of Queensland (UQ) research project.
Associate Professor Margaret Maynard said the project, entitled "Through the Lens: Women’s Fashion Photography in Australia" would be the most comprehensive study yet undertaken in this field.
“I think it will break new ground because the full extent of the cultural history of Australian fashion photography is unexplored,” she said.
“A few books on individual fashion photographers exist, but this is the first full-scale historical study of fashion photography in this country.
“I am looking at how the industry began, the developing technical processes, including new digital methods, at aesthetic styles, changing studio practices, the relationship between models and photographers — basically I am interested in the entire context in which this history has evolved.
“This full context has not been examined in the past and I expect we will be surprised by what we learn.”
Dr Maynard, of UQ`s School of English, Media Studies and Art History, said the results of the project, funded by the Australian Research Council, would be published in a variety of ways.
“It will be a combination outcome and available to a wide range of people including researchers and also photographers wanting to learn about the history of their industry,” she said.
“The research outcome will be an illustrated book, and a comprehensive CD-ROM directory of photographers.”
Dr Maynard is recognised as one of Australia’s premier fashion experts having developed the first University fashion studies courses in the country.
In 2003 she successfully co-organised an international conference on fashion, dress and consumption in collaboration with QUT, hosted by UQ’s Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies and held at the St Lucia campus.
For more information contact:
Associate Professor Margaret Maynard, Phone: (07) 3365 2960 email m.maynard@uq.edu.au
Senior Communications Officer Tiffany Lippett, Phone: (07) 3365 2049
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