Don't Just Tell Them, Show Them. An exhibition by Jesse Marlow

By: Penny Modra
Date: 11th Jul 07
Medium: Photography
Drink: Dandy shandy

Don't Just Tell Them, Show Them. An exhibition by Jesse Marlow

What:
Don't Just Tell Them, Show Them. An exhibition by Jesse Marlow


Where:
Crossley & Scott, 29 Crossley St, Melbourne

When:
Opens Thurs July 12, 6-8pm
Runs until Sat August 4
Gallery open Tue-Fri 12pm-5.30pm; Sat 12pm-4pm

How much:
free

Contact:
9639 1624

Jesse Marlow is a pretty serious photographer. Like, he won the Australian Hasselblad X-Pan Masters (serious) competition in 2002. He has two books out (don't ask how old he is, you will have one of those moments when your life comes into focus briefly and you need to go and buy stationery). In the past, Jesse has been a bit of a black and white fan but in this new exhibition he's exploring colour.

Don't Just Tell Them, Show Them is a collection of street photographs that is quiet, minimalist and thoughtful, but rainbow bright. There is irony, but it's gentle, like the old man with a walking stick and the shiny, fit people jeering at him from a passing tram advertisement. Like the old lady whose jaunty red hat matches the graffitied wall next to her.

It's a friendly and colourful but also quiet and slightly bleak view of our city. Luckily, in Melbourne, muted enthusiasm is just what it takes to get us like totally pumped up.