Exposure is a photo media initiative by the Perth Centre for Photography (PCP) in collaboration with Yamatji, Nyoongar curator Glenn Iseger-Pilkington. Exposure was developed to support regional and remotely located First Nations artists working with photo media. Exposure 1.0 was held in April 2018 in Quindalup (South West WA), as a week-long skills intensive involving eight First Nations participants. Exposure 2.0 (2019) demonstrated the need for and value of empowering First Nations artists with opportunities to voice their stories and lived experiences via artistic practice. 2021 saw the development of Exposure 3.0, a project intensifying the breadth of professional education and skill honing with access to quality resources and ongoing mentoring. Four original Exposure Collective artists, First Nations women living in the remote northwest, were selected to participate.

Nuriah Jadai, Maria Fredericks, Maria Maraltadj, and Mary-Lou Divilli are much more than documentary makers, although the significance of that tradition should never be understated. With cameras, these women continue the tradition of storytelling across millennia. They have reclaimed space and a practice that has historically ‘othered’ Aboriginal people.

Michelle Broun, Curator, Creative Producer, and Researcher, Yindjibarndi residing on Whadjuk Nyungar Boodja

Exposure 1.0 and 2.0 saw eight, First Nations artists from remote communities traveled to the southwest to participate in a week-long photographic workshop by mentors and industry professionals. The results surpassed expectations. Participants established strong networks and significantly improved their artistic skills. Participants’ work was exhibited at PCP in 2020 and showcased at the 2020 Rotterdam Festival, in an exhibition titled Reclaimed.

Based on positive testimonials and a drive to establish a photographic art practice, Exposure 3.0 partnered with a Kimberley-focused organisation, Camera Story to support long-term, personalised mentoring, skills development, professional opportunities, and network development. Maria Fredericks (Warnambol Gambera, Kalumburu), Mary-Lou Divilli (Nyikina & Ngarinyin, Kupungarri), Maria Maraltadj (Kwini, Kalumburu Community), and Nuriah Jadai (Martu & Mangala, Newman & Bidyadanga), were selected to participate in the third iteration of the project. Resources and mentors were made accessible online and in artists’ home communities. Exposure 3.0 challenged the artists professionally in a safe space that would shape their practice.