MELBOURNE.- The National Gallery of Victoria presents Re_view, an exquisite exhibition of international photographic works representing over forty years of collecting.

Through a selection of 36 key pieces, this exhibition chronologically explores the rich history of photography. Re_view presents the evolution of photography, with examples of early experimentalism, Pictorialism, modernism, social documentary and conceptual work. It showcases some of the finest works by the best loved photographers.

Dr Isobel Crombie, Senior Curator Photography said: “Re_view celebrates the development of photography through some outstanding examples of this fascinating medium. Over the past 40 years the NGV Photographic collection has grown into one of Australia’s most comprehensive.”

Frances Lindsay, Deputy Director, NGV said: “This exhibition offers an exciting and rare opportunity for viewers to look at some of the highlights of the NGV’s outstanding collection.”

In 1967, the NGV established the first curatorial department dedicated to photography in an Australian public museum. In that same year, the Gallery acquired the collection’s first work, Surry Hills street by Australian artist David Moore and in 1969 the first international work was acquired, Nude 1939 by František Drtikol. This expansive collection now holds over 15,000 works.

Re_view displays works by internationally renowned artists including, William Henry Fox Talbot, Frederick Evans, Ansel Adams, Lázló Moholy-Nagy, Edward Steichen, Man Ray, Martin Parr, Huang Yan and Yee I-Lann.

To coincide with this impressive exhibition the NGV will be launching Re_view: Over 170 years of Photography, a beautiful book dedicated to the Gallery’s international photography collection. This unique publication, written by Dr Crombie, surveys a broad selection of works, and closely examines the artists, the styles in which they practiced and, the contribution and influence they had on this progressive medium.

Frances Lindsay said: “This book is as much a celebration of the efforts that have gone into forming this collection as it is a celebration of photography. This publication showcases both the breadth of the NGV’s Collection and the expertise of the staff who have contributed to its development.”

Re_view will be on display at NGV International on St Kilda Road through 4 April 2010.