Mephisto by Gary Sheppard

From the series, Mephisto. © Gary Sheppard.
From the series, Mephisto. © Gary Sheppard.

Known as Lucifer’s fixer, scatterer and disperser of lies, Mephisto, this exhibition by Gary Sheppard, explores the alluring intricacies of liquid. The series offers a glimpse in to the places and creatures from Mephisto’s world. A universe of clouds and swirls is created through a process of pouring and mixing inks, dyes and varnishes in water. The images are mirrored to yield intriguing, symmetrical results depending on how each scene is inverted and overlapped.

Something about human psychology compels us to identify patterns, and the symmetry engendered by flipping a photo is irresistible to our pattern-seeking minds. Outlines and contours begin to resemble flames, creatures, and faces peering out from billowing clouds confronting and seducing the viewer. Much like a Rorschach test, what you perceive in these photos is a reflection of the way your mind views the world. Just as every photo is unique, each viewer’s interpretation of that scene will be distinctly their own.

Follow this link to see more of the series.

From the series, Mephisto. © Gary Sheppard.
From the series, Mephisto. © Gary Sheppard.

About Gary Sheppard

Gary Sheppard is a photographer based in Sydney, Australia and working mainly throughout Australasia. With over 30 years photographic experience, the majority of Gary’s work is involved with advertising campaigns for national and international distribution. Gary has won awards at Cannes, One Show, D&AD, Communications Arts, London International, Folio and AWARD shows and is an AIPP Master of Photography.

EXHIBITION DETAILS

Opening Night:       6pm - 8pm, Wednesday, 8 March.

From the series, Mephisto. © Gary Sheppard.
From the series, Mephisto. © Gary Sheppard.

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November

Sydney: The exhibition delves into the State Library of NSW's vast collection of two million images, showcasing 400 photos – many displayed for the first time.

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March

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April

Sydney: Photographers Harold David, Lyndal Irons, Ladstreet, Selina Ou, David Porter, Greg Semu, and Craig Walsh exhibit a diverse and varied snapshot of Penrith and western Sydney as it has changed and grown over the last sixty years.

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May

Ballarat: Art Gallery of Ballarat presents Lost in Palm Springs, a multidisciplinary exhibition that brings together fourteen creative minds who respond to, capture, or re-imagine the magical qualities of the landscape and the celebrated mid-century modern architecture of Palm Springs, California and across Australia.