Ink to Image by Greg Branson
“In 1874, six intrepid explorers left Perth on a pioneering quest to traverse the Australian interior. Led by John Forrest, accompanied by his brother Alexander, the team comprised James Kennedy, James Patrick Sweeny, Tommy Windich, and Tommy Pierre. Their bold mission? To unlock the untapped grazing lands of central Western Australia. ”
Greg Branson is the great-grandson of one of those explorers, James Patrick Sweeny.
In 2022, Greg Branson retraced the footsteps of the expedition, standing where his great grandfather once stood, in an attempt to see what he saw.
Ink to Image is a photography exhibition by Greg Branson which celebrates their quest, giving viewers a taste of the sights and sounds of the harsh Australian outback. Melissa Fitzgerald, James Patrick Sweeny’s great-great-granddaughter and founder of the esteemed Perth Guitar Quartet will join Greg Branson by performing a classical guitar piece with her group, inspired by the Gascoyne area.
With 150 diary entries by his great grandfather, “Each of my 24 photographs is paired with excerpts from James’ diary, capturing the essence of the journey.” Greg says.
Ink to Image opens from March 18, precisely 150 years since the expedition’s departure and runs through till March 22 at Perth Lower Town Hall.
Greg Branson joins Maxxi May on Artbeat to discuss his great-grandfather and the exhibition further.
