Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this exhibition contain images and names of deceased peoples.
The State Library of NSW presents Mervyn Bishop: Close Up sharing a rare glimpse into the life and vision of Murri photographer, Mervyn Bishop.
Mervyn Bishop is one of Australia’s most significant photographic voices and the first Aboriginal press photographer. The exhibition is a celebration of historical moments and pivotal people. Through intimate family portraits, candid domestic scenes and images of the landscape of his childhood, Mervyn Bishop: Close Up demonstrates the importance of home and strength of community in Bishop’s photography.
Bishop was born and raised in Brewarrina, north-western New South Wales. As a child he was encouraged by his mother to take his first photograph using her Kodak 620, sparking a lifelong interest and passion. In 1963, Bishop started a four-year cadetship with the Sydney Morning Herald as their first Aboriginal employee, also completing a Photography Certificate Course at Sydney Technical College during this time. In 1974, Bishop began working for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs in Canberra during the early years of the Indigenous self-determination movement. He photographed major developments and events throughout Australia, including then Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, pouring a handful of earth back into the hand of Gurindji Elder and traditional owner, Vincent Lingari in 1975. This photograph represents the Australian Government’s recognition of Aboriginal Land Rights and is included in Mervyn Bishop: Close Up.
Join one of the curators, Gamilaroi man Ronald Briggs, for a presentation on the years-long journey to make Bishop’s 200,000 image archive accessible to the public, including the challenges faced and the surprising discoveries along the way, at Michael Crouch Map Room, Mitchell Building, State Library of NSW, 19 November 2025, 6pm – 7 pm. Register here.
Mervyn Bishop: Close Up is on display from 18 October 2025 to 7 February 2027. Find out more here.
Where: Exhibition Galleries, State Library of NSW, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney, NSW, 2000
When: 18 October 2025 to 7 February 2027
Entry: Free