Images(2)

Cole Classic

Photographer Anne Zahalka (born 1957)

Date1998

Object number00030678

NamePhotograph

MediumType c print on paper

DimensionsOverall: 1250 x 1550 mm, 0.18 kg

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionColour photograph by Anne Zahalka of swimmers on Bondi Beach waiting to start the Cole Classic, an annual open ocean race now held at Manly Beach.HistoryAnne Zahalka work investigates many themes and in this series it is the central place of leisure, sport and entertainment within Australian culture through a series of hyper-real photographic images taken from real locations. Focusing on theme parks, entertainment centres, shopping arcades, indoor rock climbing gyms, museums, aquariums, video parlours, cinemas, and sporting complexes, these photographs document the artificial nature of these environments and reflect on our fascination with them. The photographs examine our relationship to leisure and provide a record of some of its ritualised forms. Zahalka presents the fantastic diversity of commodified leisure and considers the formidable industry it has become. The Cole Classic is an open-water swimming event, held annually at Manly in Australia. It was started by the Cole family in 1982. The race occurs on the first Sunday in February. Although originally staged at Bondi Beach (where Zahalka's photograph was taken) it was moved to Manly in 2007. SignificanceSun, beach and water have long been identified with leisure and holiday fun. We flock to beaches, rivers and pools to relax and escape the stresses of everyday life - revisiting favourite playgrounds and meeting places. The swimmers, lifesavers, sunbathers and surfers who inhabit these leisure places have become iconic figures in the Australian cultural landscape.