Steve McCurry Icons : A Photography Exhibition

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Immerse yourself in the world of this famous and audacious photographer in an unprecedented photography exhibition! With more than 100 large-format photographs, ICONS is one of the most complete retrospectives of the career of Steve McCurry, one of the main international figures in the world of photography over the last 30 years. And if, on the one hand, his work encompasses conflicts, endangered cultures, ancient traditions and contemporary culture, on the other hand, he always maintains the human element that made his famous photograph of the Afghan girl such a powerful image. This unprecedented journey through the inspiration, life and work of the artist—who has already been recognised with some of the most prestigious awards in the industry—is not to be missed! 

Celebrate the life and work of Steve McCurry in this international photography exhibition.

Get to know the man behind the lens as you enter the world of one of the greatest figures in the world of photography.

Discover over 100 iconic large-format photographs, such as the “Afghan Girl”, Sharbat Gula, who captivated the world on the cover of National Geographic magazine in 1985.

Admire a selection of the most impressive images from his trips to Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and China, among others.

Access audio descriptions from 42 selected exhibitors to hear the story behind the photo, in Steve McCurry's own words
Watch Steve McCurry testify about his life and experiences as a photographer.

 

Upcoming Events Submit an Event

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.

Melbourne: 1 March – 25 May 2025. Featuring the work of approximately 60 artists, The Basement brings to light rare vintage prints from the 1960s – 1980s, from students and teachers of the College’s Diploma of Art & Design (Photography).

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.

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

Melbourne: Until 25 May. An exhibition of the mature and recent work of photographer / artists who trained at the ground-breaking Prahran CAE, Melbourne in the 1970s and '80s.

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.

Melbourne: One off event on Sunday 25 May. Photography Studies College (PSC) is calling artists, photographers, designers and technologists to be part of AI Symposium 2025 Beyond the Lens – unpacking the creative and cultural impacts of AI.

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.