What began for Richard Simpkin as an adolescent urge to photograph himself beside celebrities developed into a 24-year project that provides a unique self-portrait in our celebrity obsessed age. Beginning in 1989 Simpkin’s photographs chart the fashions and faces of countless stars he has posed with. From the worlds of music, film, sports and politics, from Audrey Hepburn to Michael Jackson, the Dalai Lama to Nelson Mandela, Simpkin’s portraits bear witness to the relationship between fan and celebrity in a changing world. Some of the world’s most recognisable people spontaneously pose, revealing something different to their highly controlled public images. As the series progresses Simpkin grows up before our eyes and the unknown boy develops his own celebrity status.

Location: Civic Reserve cnr Dunns Road, Mornington, 3934

Contact: MPRG
mprg@mornpen.vic.gov.au
59754395