11 September 2019 - 13 October 2021
"Through his camera, in a procession of seemingly inconsequential moments, John Williams seeks to illuminate the nature of our brief existence." Robert McFarlane
From the moment he looked through the lens, John Williams (1933-2016) made an indelible mark on Australian photography.
His war related images document his personal journey to understand his veteran father’s experiences and the impact of war across the generations.
This exhibition showcases some of John’s most iconic images, including his Anzac Day and War Portraits series.
It also includes a series of works never printed or exhibited in his lifetime.
The new works were taken in 1991 on one of John’s many visits to the Western Front, where his father served. They explore the impacts of war across time and place. Haunting and deeply poignant, they add even greater depth to his artistic contribution.
Anzac Day, Melbourne 1975
John Williams
Australian Correspondence, War Portrait 1 c1998
John Williams
Flanders c 1998
John Williams
Untitled 1991 Australian National Memorial, Villers Bretonneux
John Williams
Untitled 1991 V.C. Corner Australian Cemetery and Memorial
John Williams
Untitled 1991
John Williams
Untitled 1991 Western Front Series
John Williams
Untitled 1991 Western Front Series
John Williams
Lost family found: James Williams and wife Esther 2009 Liverpool, United Kingdom
Reproduced courtesy of John Williams’ estate
Explore the exhibition from home
Take a virtual tour of Through the Eyes of the Son: A John Williams Retrospective.
Read more about the exhibition
A piece on John William’s poignant and original photography exploring the impact of the First World War on the individual, society and culture.
Through the Eyes of the Son Curator Talk - Kate Spinks
Listen as Shrine Curator, Kate Spinks, talks further about the 'Through the Eyes of the Son' exhibition.
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