Frank Ockenfels 3

Frank Ockenfels

That rules do not have a place in photography is part of Frank Ockenfels’ working philosophy. Decades spent harnessing his feverish imagination as a photographer and director have resulted in a wealth of fantastic imagery that, by his own intention, defies any one style. Recognised as one of the world’s leading portrait photographers, Ockenfels’ work is regularly seen in magazines such as Time, New York Magazine and Rolling Stone. His work has crossed over into every category; he has photographed countless TV advertising campaigns, and has shot for shows such as Mad Men, The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy and House of Cards. Ockenfels has also shot major movie posters for the likes of Harry Potter, Thor, 50 Shades of Grey and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Ockenfels’ unorthodox philosophy permeates his entire process, from his tactile experimentation in his journals, to his eclectic collection of lenses – often embracing their defects as points of difference in his work -- to the range of personalities he captures, including actors, musicians, politicians and athletes. Ockenfels unsettles the typical notion of the iconic portrait photographer whose style is instantly recognisable. His work exists on a spectrum that is entirely his own making, often bouncing from the eerie depths of surrealism to the hazy glow of Hollywood glamour in one sitting.

Frank Ockenfels
While Ockenfels’ oeuvre is diverse, his portraits are united by their creator’s audacity. Among his list of high profile subjects (Barack Obama, David Bowie, Hilary Clinton and George Clooney), Ockenfels’ style is both unexpected and provoking, he approaches each subject with the same respect, along with the intent to create images that are well crafted, sometimes beautiful, sometimes bizarre, but never boring. Combined with his belief in collaborating and his skills in adapting to difficult situations (something he takes relish in), Ockenfels’ exhibition transforms our perspective on faces and places we’ve all seen before.
Frank Ockenfels
  • Organised by: Black Eye Gallery
  • Contact name: Katherine Bennett

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April

Canberra: 27 Feb until 20 July 2025. The National Library has invited renowned Australian photojournalist Mike Bowers to select some of his favourite images from the Fairfax Photo Archive.

Brisbane: Until 13 July 2025. Amateur Brisbane photographer Alfred Henrie Elliott (1870-1954) extraordinary images lay dormant for decades until they were discovered only recently. This exhibition is curated by seven Brisbane photographers.

Sydney: Until 31 Dec 2025. PIX, Australia’s first pictorial news weekly, is brought to life in this exhibition, showcasing its archived images and stories for the very first time.

Sydney: Until 30 June. The photographs in Max Dupain: Student Life were taken at the University of Sydney in the early 1950s, a period of rapid change marked by the politics of the Cold War.

May

Sydney: 15 May – 19 October. Showcasing 100 incredible images, this remarkable exhibition offers a window into the astonishing variety of life on our planet – and the critical importance of preserving it.

Perth: From 31 May – 28 Sept 2025. Featuring 85 works from three major series – Deep Springs, Overpass, and Cross Country – the exhibition spans twelve years of Contis’s evolving photographic practice.

June

Sydney: Until 6 July. Presenting the results of the 2025 World Press Photo Contest, the annual exhibition showcases the best and most important photojournalism and documentary photography of the last year.

Melbourne: June 5 - 16 August 2025. The explore the history of Alan Adler's photobooths and their cultural significance, alongside visual stories told by the community.

Adelaide: 7 June – 16 August. Drawn from the National Portrait Gallery collection, this photographic exhibition captures the experience of lives lived through dance.

Melbourne: 7 June – 31 August. Protest is a Creative Act seeks to address issues around the body, sexuality, race, national identity and the environment.