Dupain's photography in situ: ideas & possibilities
The use of artwork is an essential consideration in any interior design of commercial and residential spaces. It is critical in creating an atmosphere consistent with the function and design of any interior space. It creates a focal point for the people that work, live and transit the room and helps to heighten engagement and comfort or interest in the space.
Dupain’s photography is revered, studied, analysed and exhibited across the country, in art galleries, and government and private premises. His creative and documentary works of 20th century Australian life adds a unique quality and character to any interior space. The following images provide the viewer with ideas and possibilities for how Dupain’s iconic and lesser known images can be applied to a variety of interiors, whether its an office building, hotel or private residence.
Dupain worked consistently over his 60 years of dedication to capturing the Australia he loved. He was an innovator, a deep thinker, a man of culture and physicality who captured Australian people, landscapes, society and forms in over 180,000 negatives. He was Australia’s most admired and prolific photographer and was a pioneer of modernism in Australia with its focus on simplified visual documentation of subjects using dramatic light contrasts, sharp focus and challenging angles. Dupain’s images can create a valuable, fascinating aesthetic to any interior space.
If you are interested in purchasing a range of Dupain prints for a corporate or residential fit-out, please contact me for a quote on a package (3 or more prints). Use the contact page to send me a message with your phone number and I will respond ASAP.
Hotels and commercial buildings
Morning rush hour, Sydney Harbour Bridge 1937 in a office foyer
More than a million people watched the opening of the Bridge in 1932. At the time it was the longest single span bridge, and widest bridge in the world. There was a tram line running along the eastern side and a train line along the western side. The traffic and bridge are still perhaps symbols of Sydney transport to this day.
Magnolia 1982 print in a hotel room
A consistent objective in Dupain's photography was to simplify often complex subjects or contexts. Here he endeavored to create a simple statement through symmetry and the use of a single light. This beautiful Magnolia grandiflora image is one of his best flower still life images that provides an alluring focal point for any interior
Residential living areas
Waratah & moon 1982 and Angel's trumpet 1983 in living room
These images of Dupain's were part of his experimentation in the 1980s with flower subjects, including at night time. These images provide an organic, delicate infusion into a modern living area and provide a peaceful, pleasing focal point.
The jetty, 1952
This image was taken near Kurnell, Sydney. Dupain had lined up the shot and the girl with the wheelbarrow walked onto the jetty making for a charming composition. The perspective and low angle of the sun provide a sense of spaciousness and distant focal point to compliment the peaceful charm of this coastal landscape.
Sunrise at Newport, 1974
Taken from a cliff-top above Newport Beach, this image captures the brilliant ocean of reflected morning light subsuming a lone early morning runner. It brings together sun, ocean and land with a lonely figure in the foreground. An image that captures Dupain's professional and personal interests - light and form, beach and ocean.
Manly afternoon, 1940s in a residential dining room
Dupain loved the beach and took thousands of images of Sydney beaches including Manly Beach. This image captures a bygone era of beach fashion and culture and yet it exhibits a charm and familiarity that viewers can appreciate. It is an iconic beach portrait that will engage people working, living or visiting the interior where it is hung.
