2024-08-20
Gerard O'Connor and Marc Wasiak
A Journey into the Artistic Worlds of Gerard O'Connor and Marc Wasiak
At Sofitel Brisbane Central, we are thrilled to present the extraordinary works of Gerard O'Connor and Marc Wasiak, an award-winning duo who have revolutionised the art of photographic tableau. For over 30 years, Gerard and Marc have collaborated to create intricate, large-scale images that captivate audiences with their rich narratives and stunning detail.
Gerard O'Connor, a distinguished photographer, filmmaker, and set designer, and Marc Wasiak, a master of wardrobe, props, and set design, have consistently pushed the boundaries of visual art. Their work is not just photography—it’s a meticulous construction of reality, blending historical research with contemporary vision to create scenes that are both familiar and surprising.
The duo’s artistic practice is akin to crafting a complex jigsaw puzzle, where every piece—whether a prop, a costume, or a character—is carefully selected and positioned to form a cohesive and engaging narrative. These cinematic stills often involve a cast of up to 90 individuals, all brought together in a single moment of creative brilliance. Each image tells a story that reflects the chaotic beauty of humanity, exploring themes of diversity, societal norms, and the unexpected twists of life.
Their work has garnered international acclaim, with exhibitions spanning across Australia, Argentina, China, Japan, Korea, and Singapore. Notably, in 2013, Gerard and Marc’s work was featured at the Pingyao International Photography Festival in China, where they won the prestigious Jin Hou Niao Zun award for the best international work. This recognition was a testament to their ability to blend the historical with the modern, creating art that resonates across cultures and eras.
In 2016, their ambitious project "Victoriana Pleasure Garden" made history as the first exhibition at the National Trust’s Tasma House and Spring Fashion Festival at the Conservatory in Fitzroy Gardens. The success of this exhibition led to an invitation to showcase their work at the Festival of Light in Buenos Aires, one of the largest photographic festivals in the world. Their images, celebrated for their narrative complexity and aesthetic sophistication, have since been acquired by prestigious institutions, including the Fine Art Museum in Buenos Aires and the Government House Art Collection in Canberra.
What sets Gerard and Marc apart is their ability to capture the essence of human interaction in a single, frozen moment. Their work is a commentary on the complexities of modern life, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the unseen is brought to light. Through their lens, we are invited to see the world differently, to question what we know, and to appreciate the intricate stories that unfold in every corner of life.
As we welcome Gerard and Marc to La Galerie, we invite you to step into their world—a world where art and reality intertwine, where every image is a doorway to a deeper understanding of our shared human experience. Whether you are a long-time admirer or new to their work, we guarantee that their art will leave you both moved and inspired. Join us in celebrating these visionary artists and the timeless beauty they bring to life.