A landmark exhibition documenting an often-overlooked side of Brisbane’s history will soon open at Brisbane’s premier photographic art gallery, the Maud Street Photographic Gallery in Newstead.

Divine Brisbane is a fascinating record of Brisbane’s past and insight into a growing city’s growing diversity. From grand cathedrals to bush chapels, to mosques, synagogues, and temples, all captured through the eyes – and lens – of master photographer Robert Gray.

“We all have our cross to bear,” says Robert. “I just have more than most!”

A photographic lifetime honed his interest in architecture, history, and religion.

“All these things collided to produce what has become the Divine Brisbane project. A photo of a church is just a photo of a church,” he says, “but show me the collection of every religiously significant building, and you can learn so much about that city.”

Just over 80 pieces from his collection of more than 560 religious sites will be on display, from June 9-23, 2023.

This major exhibition is part of the Asia Pacific Architectural Festival, an initiative of Architecture Media and the State Library of Queensland, and alongside the inaugural Brisbane Photography Festival; 9 days of events bringing together the city’s photographers and community. Robert will also talk about The Importance of Photographic Projects at South Brisbane TAFE during the Festival and will hold an Artist talk at the gallery on June 17th at 10 am.