Eric Algra is an Australia-based photographer. His documentary style, which encompasses both commissioned and personal work, has taken him to interesting places and introduced him to many inspiring people. Photography, as an art form, a record, an expression of unnameable yearnings, remains a driving passion. Challenging and developing his vision is important so Eric seeks out new thinking and stimulation. For several years he was involved with the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, a member of the global Festival de la Luz (Festival of Light). During 40 years as a photographer, Eric has confronted the disruption of technological change. It has challenged him to remain true to his vision while embracing the opportunities created by new technology.
EXHIBITIONS
GROUP
2021/22
See The Music – Focal Point Gallery, Geelong
2020
Adelaide Art Photographers C. 1970-2000 – Royal South Australian Society of the Arts, Adelaide
2019
A Sense of Place (Antipodean Mnemonic) – Diesel Engine Factory 1972, Hefei, China
Mallee Routes 2019 – Murray Bridge Regional Art Gallery
2018
Mallee Routes 2018 – Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery
2016
Mallee Routes, Photographing the Mallee – Atkins Photo Lab Gallery. Adelaide South Australia
2014
Raw, RMIT BA Photography 2014 Graduate Exhibition – RMIT Design Hub, Carlton, Victoria
SOLO
2021/22
Rock’n’Roll City 1978-1983 The Roadrunner Years – Ian & Pamela Wall Gallery, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
2019
Portraits of Elizabeth: migration, community and identity – Migration Museum, Adelaide S.A. (A SALA exhibition)
2018
This is our town, A snapshot of Elizabeth, a city in transition– Playford Civic Centre, Elizabeth S.A. (A SALA exhibition)
2015
Time Lapsed – Gallery on Sturt, Ballarat, Victoria (A BIFB fringe program exhibition)
2013
Richmond By Night – Gallery on Sturt, Ballarat, Victoria (A BIFB fringe program exhibition)
2011
Ned Kelly Was Here – Witches Brew Cafe, Mansfield, Victoria (A Mansfield Spring Arts Fair exhibition)
Ned Kelly Was Here – Gallery on Sturt, Ballarat, Victoria (A BIFB fringe program exhibition)
2006
Postcards from Forgotten Places – Flinders University Art Museum, Adelaide, SA
1998
1/60th, Wide Open – Twenty Years of Stage Photography – Adelaide Festival Centre, SA
PUBLICATIONS
Rock’n’Roll City 1978-1983 The Roadrunner Years – Self Published 2022
Adelaide Art Photographers, 1970-2000 – Contributing photographer, 2019
The Big Beat,Rock Music in Australia, 1978-1983 – Contributing photographer, 2019
This is our town, a snapshot of Elizabeth – Self published, 2019 with assistance from the History Trust of South Australia
Behind The Wheel, photographs from the Australian road – Contributing photographer, 2017
Rock Country – Edited by Christian Ryan, Contributing photographer, 2013
Light Leaks magazine – Canada, contributing photographer: Various issues, 2009 and 2010
McLaren Vale: Trott’s View – Adelaide, Australia, Monograph: One of four commissioned photographers, 2007
The Advertiser – Adelaide, Australia, Review: ‘Inspired by Outback Ruins’, January 1, 2007
dB magazine – Adelaide, Australia, Review: ‘Postcards from Forgotten Places’, December 2006
The Adelaide Review – Adelaide, Australia, Review: Prospect Portrait Prize, February 2000
Better Photography Magazine – Australia, Feature: ‘Terowie’ Issue 14 , 1999 (p.48-51)
Underground In The City Of Churches – Author: Tim Kelton, Monograph: Principal photographer, 1986
Inner City Sound – Author: Clinton Walker, Monograph: Contributing photographer, 1982
AWARDS
2015
RMIT Vice-Chancellor’s Award – For finishing in the top 2% of 2014 graduates
2012
Paul Olsen Memorial Award – For most outstanding second year student RMIT
1999
Heritage Building Society Acquisitive Photographic Awards – Commendation
1998
Australian Professional Photography Awards – Ilford Trophy Winner for highest scoring print ,
Athol Shmith Award For Black and White Excellence
1997
Accepted into Fuji ACMP Australian Photographers’ Collection