The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) is honoured to host All Shades, a compelling photographic exhibition by esteemed Kamilaroi documentary photographer and filmmaker Dean Saffron. Opening Saturday, 31 May during Reconciliation Week, this exhibition marks the first time the Legends ASM-managed BCEC has collaborated with an artist to support and host an exhibition within the Centre.
A striking collection of 32 large-scale portraits, All Shades is displayed across two public access areas on the Arbour and Plaza levels of the Centre. The exhibition captures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from across Queensland and the Torres Strait, from remote communities and cattle stations to coastal towns and inner-city streets. It is a photographic collaboration between First Nations photographer and subject, where the people in the portraits are the storytellers.
Saffron travelled thousands of kilometres to capture these stories. Each portrait is a creative partnership, with participants choosing the setting and story they wish to share, a reflection of their identity, culture, and connection to place.
“This work isn’t about me,” says Saffron. “The people in these portraits are the storytellers, it’s their strength and stories that matter and I’m grateful to BCEC for making space for them. I’ve admired the Centre’s art collection for many years, especially its commitment to First Nations artists and it’s a real honour to now have All Shades among them.”
Commissioned by State Library Queensland, the portraits are part of a broader initiative to record oral histories and create a lasting visual archive for future generations.
“Dean’s work is both powerful and deeply respectful”, said Kym Guesdon, General Manager of BCEC. “Offering a platform for First Nations voices to be seen and heard on their own terms. This exhibition aligns with our commitment to reconciliation and cultural celebration, and we invite all visitors to experience these extraordinary stories.”
A long-time friend of BCEC, Dean Saffron’s work is celebrated for its emotional honesty and global reach. He has produced humanitarian photo essays for UNICEF and the World Food Program, as well as campaigns for leading international brands including Shell, Billabong and Jacobs Creek.
All Shades is free to the public and accessible even during concurrent events at the Centre. It is hosted in addition to BCEC’s permanent art collection, which includes one of the largest collections of Indigenous art in Australia. As we celebrate 30 years of BCEC in 2025, we’re proud to continue offering meaningful opportunities for cultural engagement. The Centre’s Plaza Gallery is open daily and free to visit when not in use as a function space, providing year-round access to Indigenous art and storytelling.
Exhibition Dates:
Saturday, 31 May – Sunday, 13 July 2025
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
All Shades is proudly supported by the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, and the State Library of Queensland.
