Michael Willson: Beyond the Boundary

National Exhibition Register

  • Air-o-Smith
    Michael Willson Air-o-Smith, 2021
    Medium
    digital photograph
    Dimensions
    59.4 x 84.1 cm [sheet]
    Image Credit
    Courtesy of the artist © Michael Willson

About the exhibition

Michael Willson, the AFL’s Chief Photographer, captures the action, the heartache and the emotion both on and off the field in this dramatic, poignant and insightful photographic exposé. 'Beyond the Boundary' delves deep into the heart of the game with great sensitivity and instinct – documenting moments otherwise unseen – from a unique perspective that can only come from an intimate knowledge and love for photography and Australian Football. The 36 are matted in Blackwood timber frames. There are 20 photographs that are A1 (6 vertical and 14 horizontal) and 16 photographs that are A3 (horizontal). The artist is receptive to discussions for inclusion of more recent or locally relevant images; this may incur additional artist fee and production expenses. Participation in public programs is by negotiation and schedule dependent.

Artists and Curator

Curator
Benalla Art Gallery
Artists

Michael Willson Michael Willson is Chief Photographer of the Australian Football League. Since the 2005 AFL season he has earned the respect and trust of players and clubs alike, creatively photographing all the action, triumph, heartbreak, blood, sweat and tears. In 2020 Michael was awarded the prestigious Melbourne Press Club Gold Quill for his iconic photograph of Tayla Harris. The picture also won the Sport Australia Best Sports Photograph and the inaugural Women in Sport Photo Action Awards. He has won multiple Australian Football Media Association Awards. Michael is also a Ted’s Master. In 2018 Michael was commissioned by Commonwealth Games Australia to be the official photographer of the Australian team at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Michael has published two books; UP CLOSE – a remarkable photographic journal of the 2016 AFL season, and CYRIL – a pictorial celebration of a Hawthorn champion. His work is featured on AFL.com.au, AFLPhotos.com.au, the AFL Record as well as newspapers and magazines around Australia and the world.

Available Dates and
Exhibition Details

Available dates
01/07/2025 - 31/12/2026
Exhibition size
Between 50-75 sq or running metres
Originating state
VIC
Organised by
Benalla Art Gallery
Price
$3,000 (exc. freight)
Web Site
https://www.michaelwillson.com/
Accompanying materials available
Artist Talk, Installation Support, Interpretative/Didactic Panels, Invitations or Invitation Template, Labels, Material for Invitations, Media Kit, Media Release, Signage Templates
Other materials
high res crowd image for vinyl wrap
Primary contact
Brenda Wellman
Position
Curator
Organisation
Benalla Art Gallery
Phone
03 5760 2616
E-mail
brenda.wellman@benalla.vic.gov.au
Secondary contact
Eric Nash
Phone
03 5760 2619
E-mail
gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au
Acknowledgement
Courtesy of the artist