Creative Witnessing: Andrew Quilty and Ben Quilty

Photojournalist Andrew Quilty is one of this country’s most distinguished war reporters. Artist Ben Quilty is renowned for his bold, confrontational paintings and political activism. The two also happen to be cousins.

Appearing together in conversation for the first time, they will discuss Andrew’s new book, This is Afghanistan, which offers a unique visual record of this vibrant, complex and resilient country’s last nine years of conflict and turmoil. Ben’s acclaimed portrait series, After Afghanistan, was created during his time as Australia’s Official War Artist in Afghanistan, and presents a deeply impressionist artistic record of the experiences of Australian forces embedded in that country.

Together, they will reflect on the immense responsibility of bearing witness through the camera lens and on the canvas. They’ll consider the power of photography and art to shed light on conflict and human rights, and the moral imperative not to look away.

Diana Sayed, CEO of the Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights, will open the event, followed by a keynote address from Shuja Jamal. A researcher, advocate and the former director-general for international relations on Kabul’s National Security Council, Jamal will speak to the current political and social reality in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of Western forces.

A portion of proceeds from this event will go to the Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights. Individual donations to the AMWCHR can be made here. 

The bookseller for this event is Readings.

Spring Fling returns in 2023, and this year we’re going Above and Beyond.

We’re looking further, delving deeper, and asking bigger questions with outstanding thinkers who are reshaping our world and envisioning extraordinary futures.

Spring Fling is supported by the Victorian State Government.