Sunbaker, 1937

Photographer Max Dupain (1911 - 1992)

Date1937

Object number00001256

NameSilver gelatin print

MediumPaper

DimensionsOverall: 370 x 400 mm
Mount / Matt size: 717 x 522 mm
Display dimensions (Frame): 745 x 550 x 45 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection

Collections

Stories in photographs

Terms

DescriptionSunbaker, 1937 by Max Dupain.HistoryDupain preferred black and white photography to capture the dazzling light and colour of the Australian seaside. He was a leading figure of the modernist New Photography movement in the 1930s and pursued a life long fascination with extremes of light, perspective and its relationship to form. "Max used to say that his punishment in hell would be to print the 'Sunbaker' forever. He reckoned it was one of the most difficult to print because the neg was so poor - stretched and blotchy". ('State of the Art', Number 8, April 1994). "It was taken on some empty South Coast beach, where a group of friends were camping one summer weekend. One, glistening from the surf, flung himself on the sand, pillowed his head on a forearm, and slept in the sun. Another of the group, 26 year old Max Dupain, photographed him as he lay, and the ensuing image, Sunbaker 1937, was to become an Australian icon. Endlessly reproduced in prints, on posters and bookcovers, it still retains its sheer physical impact, the near-tangible glisten of water and grit of the sand" (Sydney Morning Herald, 1 August 1992).SignificanceCelebrated photographer Max Dupain turned his camera on the beach to create some of Australia's most enduring images of sunbathers, surf lifesavers and swimmers.