PARADOX
By Zo Damage
This exhibition delves into the interplay of fear, trust and hope through a collection of handcrafted analogue photographic works on paper. It offers an alternative view of the dynamic relationship between body and mind, creativity and everyday life experiences.
More than being a showcase, the exhibit encourages the viewer to engage with the real-time unfolding of thoughts, actions, emotions, and sensations, triggered by what strives to be a transformative artistic expression of the work. By deconstructing and reconstructing the photographic process, these works present a paradoxical perspective of photography, challenging conventional notions of representational truth in the medium and unveiling a deeply subjective interpretation of the world.
While some of these pieces have featured in various group exhibitions, this event marks the first time they will be presented in their entirety as a photographic sculptural installation. Each artwork engages in a dialogue with the others, weaving together a rich tapestry of shared experiences.
I invite you to join me on this expressive creative journey, exploring the beauty of the connections that bind us all, illuminated through the wonder of alchemical photography. This project has been made possible by the generous support of C.R. Kennedy and Company and Ilford Australia.
About the artist
Zo Damage is a Melbourne-based photographer and visual artist. Her career as a live music photographer spans over twenty years. Her fine art practice is grounded in a deep engagement with analogue photographic processes as a means of exploring embodied aesthetic experiences. Zo’s work has been published in both print and digital media and exhibited in solo and group exhibitions across local, regional and state venues, including at Arts Centre Melbourne, the Museum of Australian Photography and Australian Galleries. Recent achievements include the Bowness Photography Prize Shortlist (2023, 2024 and 2025), the Bowness Photography Prize “People’s Choice Award” (2023), State Library Victoria Fellowship (2022), the RMIT School of Art Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence (2021), QVM Awards “Support to the Community Award” (2018), and The Age Music Victoria Awards “Outstanding Achievement Award” (2017). My artworks and self-published books are held in public and private collections in Australia, Japan, UK, Scotland, Spain, Germany, the US and China.
“Respite”, gelatin silver prints, 1.2x1.9M overall
“Trust”, gelatin silver print, 1.1x15M. Bowness Photography Prize Finalist 2023. Photo courtesy Jessica Curry, 2023.
“Possibilities”, gelatin silver prints, 1.27x7M overall. Installation variable. Bowness Photography Prize Finalist, 2024
Opening Event
Sunday 7 September 2025
12-3PM
Guests at the event can enjoy a selection of refreshments, including ReWine sparkling, Cedar Fox Distilling Co cocktails, Hawkers beer, non-alcoholic drinks, and grazing platters.
Exhibition Dates
7-13 September 2025
9AM-5PM
Location
CLAW Creative
120-122 Alexandra Parade Fitzroy 3065