Comfort in chaos by Johnny Brixton

Mental health deserves its place on the national agenda as one of Australia’s major health epidemics, but Melbourne photographer Shayne Hood has dealt with his demons via a two-year art project, Comfort in Chaos, that he admits saved his life.

© Johnny Brixton
© Johnny Brixton

The work shows Hood’s raw emotive photos of sister cities Melbourne and San Francisco, accompanied by written pieces characterising his innermost struggles during times of severe mental crisis. “Creating Comfort in Chaos is the reason I’m still here today,’ Hood says. “It honestly saved my life.”

© Johnny Brixton
© Johnny Brixton

Hood’s muse is his upbringing. “It’s eye-opening to grow up around a dysfunctional family, drug addiction, and what others call criminals and degenerates,” he says. “I wear where I’m from with pride, wherever I walk. I live for the people I lost, and the dreams that they once had. It has left me with many mental scars, but I choose to put the pain into my work, instead of into something not so desirable.” Hood says that building this exhibition has helped him put a lot of demons to rest.

© Johnny Brixton
© Johnny Brixton

Hood, who’s also known by his artist moniker, ‘Johnny Brixton’, has been variously involved in the Melbourne creative arts scene since 2011 as a photographer, filmmaker, and poet, but through his role as a youth worker and lecturer has come into contact with those needing respite most from mental health issues. He hopes that Comfort in Chaos will encourage others in similar situations to gain the confidence to share their own experiences through art. “It’s so important to have an outlet for your thoughts, to express yourself and sometimes leave your innermost thoughts in a safe way - and art is a great way to do that,” he says. “To now share that with people is scary, but liberating.”

© Johnny Brixton
© Johnny Brixton

Upcoming Events Submit an Event

August

Sydney: 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.

September

Canberra: This collection-in-focus display highlights William Yang’s photography of Sydney Mardi Gras festivals between 1981 and 2003.

Melbourne: The William and Winifred Bowness Photography Prize 2024 features more than 70 images including digital and analogue photography, large-scale installations and daguerreotypes.

October

Brisbane: Mikaela spent time looking through Graham’s archive of negatives, though it was his social documentary images that she constantly returned to, especially as there were so many compelling photographs that had never been printed.

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.

November

Sydney: Chrissie Hall specialises in advertising, fashion, portraiture and social documentary. Join Chrissie for her 2nd book launch and exhibition at Lunar Studios in Alexandria on Thursday, November 14th from 6:30-8:30 pm.

Sydney: 23–25 November. Three Edge Studio is very proud to present 21 outstanding emerging and experienced Australian photographers at the M2 Gallery in Surry Hills.

Perth: Until 18 May 2025. Henry Roy – Impossible Island draws on 40-years of recollections and observations as it brings together 113 photos taken from 1983 to 2023.

Brisbane: The Photo Fair #2 is a community event to sell, swap, and showcase photographic works on November 30 and December 1, 2024. 10am - 4pm