Aqua Aerobics
Photographer
Anne Zahalka
(born 1957)
Date1999
Object number00030677
NamePhotograph
MediumType c print on paper
DimensionsOverall: 1250 x 1550 mm, 0.18 kg
Copyright© Anne Zahalka
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection
Collections
DescriptionAnne Zahalka's 'Aqua Aerobics', part of the series 'Leisureland'.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.
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.
