Photography: Real and Imagined examines the proposition that a photograph can be grounded in the real world, a record, a document, a reflection of the world around us; or the product of imagination, storytelling and illusion; and on occasion operate in both realms.  

Members are given priority access to the largest survey of the NGV’s extensive photography collection with an opportunity to preview more than 200 works by Australian and international photographers and artists working with photo media, before the exhibition opens to the public.

The photographs, selected from the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first centuries, are arranged in thematic groupings to explore ideas including; movement, place, environment, narrative, self, community, surrealism, consumption, conflict, work, play, light, and death. 

Before attending the preview, learn more at an exclusive Members Exhibition Introduction with NGV Senior Curator Susan van Wyk at 1.00pm. Separate ticket required for exhibition preview and introduction talk. To purchase tickets to the introduction talk, click here.