‘Parliament House at Work’ exhibition shows the people behind the politicians
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Carpenters, security guards, cleaners, gardeners, mechanical fitters, art handlers, pastry chefs and painters are some of the subjects of Anne Zahalka’s latest exhibition, Parliament House at work, which officially opens today.
Zahalka, one of Australia’s leading photomedia artists, was commissioned last year by the Department of Parliamentary Services to document the many facets of this iconic national institution during its 25th anniversary celebrations. The result is an exhibition of 20 striking images that feature staff and contractors at work throughout the building.
Gardener, Forecourt (2014) Anne ZAHALKA (1957-) Parliament House Art Collection, Department of Parliamentary Services, Canberra, ACT
“A great building requires great people behind it. Anne Zahalka’s photographs celebrate just some of the many people who continue to care for this iconic building; it is wonderful to be able to share a glimpse of this commitment and passion with the wider public,” said Senator The Hon John Hogg President of the Senate.
Senator Hogg said this exhibition encourages people to see the different aspects of Parliament House and to consider the work that is required in order to maintain and run this national treasure.
Mechanical Fitter, Plant Room (2014) Anne ZAHALKA (1957-)Parliament House Art Collection, Department of Parliamentary Services, Canberra, ACT
“Behind every news grab, every media conference and every debate that you see on television, there are teams of dedicated staff with expertise across many areas who maintain Parliament House it and support the work of Parliament and our parliamentarians,” said The Hon Bronwyn Bishop MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Mrs Bishop said that in selecting an artist to undertake this commission it was important to ensure that it was someone who understood the scale of the building and the scope of the work that it is performed within it. During a thirty year practice Anne Zahalka has produced some of the most iconic images of contemporary Australia. Her works are held in major art collections across Australia and she has exhibited widely in Australia and internationally.
Marble Foyer, Parliament House (2014) Anne ZAHALKA (1957-) Parliament House Art Collection, Department of Parliamentary Services, Canberra, ACT
Zahalka said she was equally thrilled with the commission. “Parliament House is one of the most popular and photographed institutions in Australia. It is both a symbolic place for citizens to see democracy at work and a functional workplace for thousands of people. My aim was to open the arms of its great façade to document the private and public areas of Parliament House.”
“These photographs, set in the ordinary and extraordinary interiors of Parliament House, are more a portrait of a place than of people. But without the people it wouldn’t be a portrait. Parliament House at work acknowledges these people and the important role they play in securing, maintaining and breathing life into its hallowed halls.”
Find out more
Join Anne Zahalka, Dr Martin Jolly and Professor Helen Ennis in a free event, as they discuss the photographic legacy behind the 25th anniversary photography commission to document the behind the scenes work of Parliament House at 10am tomorrow in the Parliament House Theatre. Bookings: rsvp@aph.gov.au
The essentials
What: Parliament House at work
Where: The exhibition is on display at Parliament House
When: Until Thursday 10 August
How much: Free
Web: www.aph.gov.au/Visit_Parliament
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