The Chronic Diaries by Tyler Grace

Exploring the emotions and experiences of being a chronically ill child, teenager and adult, this ongoing conceptual photographic self-portrait series takes the viewer inside the often unbearable world experienced by the artist, as well as many others who experience chronic illness. This visual chronicle explores the seen and unseen impacts of both physical and mental illness, and specific themes include, but are not limited to chronic pain, isolation, anxiety and loss of identity.

Faceless, from the series, The Chronic Diaries. © Tyler Grace.
Faceless, from the series, The Chronic Diaries. © Tyler Grace.

Grace's aim for this exhibition is to not only tell his story, but for those stories to help those who don't suffer gain a small insight into what it can be like being chronically ill, and to help others that do suffer with the topics covered realise that they aren't alone, and that they can achieve their dreams despite their limitations.

The Chronic Diaries first opened at the Murray Art Museum in May 2017. It then toured to the Sydney Fringe Festival in September 2017, where out of over 350 shows that were held at the festival, it won one of the five "Critics Pick" awards given by the Fringe.

Ashes to ashes, from the series, The Chronic Diaries. © Tyler Grace.
Ashes to ashes, from the series, The Chronic Diaries. © Tyler Grace.

Opening night

The opening event for the exhibition will be held on Friday the 17th of May from 6pm-9pm.

Future shows

The second Melbourne show will be at the St Albans Community Center and Bowery Theatre from 6 September to 3 November.

The Clouded Mind, from the series, The Chronic Diaries. © Tyler Grace.
The Clouded Mind, from the series, The Chronic Diaries. © Tyler Grace.

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.

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.

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

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.

Canberra; June 19 - July 12 2025. The River Report is a five-day map of when a normal Yitilal (wet season) turned into a major disaster and the local inhabitants were once again displaced.