Mosman Municipal Council

CAUGHT: Photographs of life at Sydney Fish Market

The Mosman Art Gallery in association with the Sydney Fish Market are delighted to present this groundbreaking exhibition of life behind the scenes at the largest working seafood market in the southern hemisphere.

The exhibition CAUGHT is the result of a long term personal project by photographer Birgit Neiser, who spent close to three years observing and recording life at the Sydney Fish Markets in Pyrmont. The images that she produced, reveal her skills in documentary storytelling, through her passionate and respectful approach to the real life of the markets which often goes on unseen by the casual market visitor. Her photographs capture the atmosphere of the market as a place, the working relationships between the employees and the sea life they handle, life at sea on the fishing boats, the hectic pace on the auction floor, the still moments of relaxation and the character of the people who inhabit this unique environment.

Ever since Birgit Neiser was a young girl in Germany, travelling with her family and later independently as an adult, she found that she was especially drawn to fish markets around the world. Later, her passion as a student of photography led her to work as a freelance photographer for various European magazines and to continue her studies in New York at the International Centre of Photography.

In 2003 Birgit Neiser travelled with her husband and children to Sydney and settled in Mosman. From 2006, she immersed herself in the daily life of the Sydney Fish Market in order to document its energy and its many diverse characters.

Her photographs capture the vibrant atmosphere of the Market, the working relationships between the employees and the sea life they handle, life at sea on the fishing boats, the frantic early morning dealings on the auction floor and the still moments of relaxation. CAUGHT presents a compelling testament to the timeless nature of this maritime industry and to the work of the people at the Sydney Fish Market.

Public Programs

Being There: Photographer talk and workshop with Birgit Neiser
Sunday June 21, 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Birgit Neiser will talk about her approach and experiences of photographing life at the Sydney Fish Market. This will be followed by an information session for those interested in starting a photo documentary project. Afternoon tea will be provided between sessions. Free.

Point of View: Documentary photography talk
Sunday June 28, 2.00pm
Photographer and teacher Catherine Cloran traces the origins of documentary photography through the 20th century, from post-war America and Europe to present day Australia. The talk examines the works, practices and ideas of some of the major photographers. Free. Afternoon tea included.

Free exhibition tour
Saturday 4 July, 11.00am
Presented by the Mosman Art Gallery Guides. RSVP (02) 9978 4178.

Please note – early close on Sunday 26 July

The Gallery will be closed on Sunday 26 July from 12 noon to allow time for installing the Mosman Art Prize exhibition.

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