In League

14 July – 16 September

A series of rugby league themed exhibitions – archival team shots, contemporary photographic portraiture and a collection of important trophies, cups and shields, all expressive of and manifesting the psychology, emotion and politics of ‘winning’, ‘losing’ and ‘representing’ your code, your team, your suburb, your state, your nation, your family and culture.

Heads Up

Photographic portraits of Penrith players by Craig Walsh and Josh Raymond – the result of a 2008 MCA/C3West collaboration with the Penrith Panthers. Taken at a series of home games and within minutes of the final whistle, these large scale portraits reveal the physical damage sustained and the dignified responses from players to the outcome of the game.

Body On The Line 

Photographic portraits depicting players of diverse Pacific Island heritage dressed in the traditional wear of their cultures. Originally shot in April 2010 for Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre’s Body Pacifica 2011 Calendar project, the series was then exhibited in the Centre’s Body Pacifica 2010 exhibition. Photographed by Greg Semu and William Booth, the portraits boldly present the players as cultural warriors standing in support of cultural awareness, reconnection and pride.

Team Player

A collection of Panthers team photos from 1967 to 2012 that track the development of the club, the careers of players, coaches and ball boys and changes in physiques; jerseys and shorts; hair styles; funding and cultural backgrounds. Also includes a selection of team jerseys showing Panthers changing team colours over time.

Winna

A collection of the trophies that make up the NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knock Out -Major Winners Prize. Fiercely contested annually, the trophies are representative of individuals, families, nations and organisations and include the Charles Perkins Shield and the Gamiliroy Nation Shield. Also on show are historic trophies from St Mary’s Rugby League Club – one of the largest junior clubs in the world.