Kingston Boulevard

21-27 August, 2023

Within the boundary of any suburb the aesthetics of wealth and kitsch, poverty and pragmatism will inevitably collide. From sculpted gardens, grand arches and wide lawns to unadorned brown brick and discarded tyres, the recurrent objects and features of suburban life are symbols of not only class, but one’s dedication or access to the “Australian Dream.” 

Kingston Boulevard is a residential street nestled between Tarneit and Hoppers Crossing; a winding paradise of excessively large, kitsch “Dream Houses.” Through documenting some of the houses and architectural/landscaping features on this street, Rachel Morley aims to explore not just her own response, but what responses these buildings might elicit from other people in the midst of a housing crisis.

The accompanying panel discussion will share several artists’ approaches to photographing houses/suburbs, and ask: what can we learn by documenting suburbia? And in the midst of a housing crisis, how can artists contribute to a shared vision for housing and land use that is more equitable?

Featuring Dr Kristian Häggblom, Kaitlyn Church, Youssef Ibrahim and Rachel Morley.

Photo documentation of the exhibition + panel discussion by Samara Clifford.