World Press Photo 11

State Library Galleries, on show until 24 July
Over 200 powerful and evocative colour and B&W images by 55 photographers of 23 nationalities are featured as part of the 54th annual World Press Photo contest, including works by three Australians: Daniel Berehulak (News stories), Adam Pretty (Sport stories) and Steve Christo (Sport singles).
The coveted World Press Photo of the Year, awarded to South African photographer Jodi Bieber, was selected from a record number of 108,059 images. Her confronting winning portrait (pictured) is of 18-year-old Bibi Aisha, who was disfigured as retribution for fleeing her husband’s house in Oruzgan province, in the centre of Afghanistan.

Sydney Morning Herald Photos 1440

State Library Galleries, on show until 24 July
Photos 1440 showcases the best published and unpublished work by Sydney Morning Herald photographers from 2010. In contrast to World Press Photo, this exhibition offers a vibrant and familiar slice of life of Sydneysiders and rural residents at work and play. There are 1440 minutes in a day, represented by over 100 striking colour images across 10 themes, including: daily life, floods, growing up, ocean swimming, greening the bush and sport.

Jack Sewell, 4, plays with the hose in his backyard in Turrella, Sydney 17 February 2011. Photo: Tamara Dean

Photographer talks

Thursday 14 July: Award-winning photographer Kate Geraghty discusses her recent assignment in Africa to document Sudan’s referendum, and Quentin Jones reflects on his 30 years shooting for the Herald.
Thursday 21 July: Andrew Meares and the Herald’s Photographic Editor Sandra Harrison discuss Meares’ recent trip to the USA to document Julia Gillard’s visit to meet Barack Obama, and the future of the app and the profession of photo editing. Presented as part of the Canon EOS Festival of Photography.
6.30pm to 8pm, Metcalfe Auditorium. Cost: $25 each (includes light refreshments) Book now

Farmer Chris Grove amongst his best wheat crop since 1998. Photo: Kate Geraghty
 

We're renovating

We’re transforming our Macquarie Street building. This exciting work will result in a contemporary new look for the State Reference Library with dedicated study rooms, more informal work spaces and more computers. The new layout will also offer easier access to our services and collections. The State Reference Library will be closed from 1 August to 18 September. Please speak to Library staff and check our website for information about access to resources and services during this time. Our 'new look' Library will reopen on 19 September. Early next year we'll be renovating the Macquarie Street foyer.
 

Give-away

The Seymour Centre is giving away five double passes to see Krakouer! on Saturday 23 July at 2pm. Jim and Phil Krakouer took the Australian football world by storm in the early 1980s. Their unique and anarchic brand of football, dubbed ‘black magic’, captured the imagination of the nation. This is their amazing story. Written by award-winning playwright Reg Cribb (The Return , Last Cab to Darwin, Bran Nue Dae), this is more than a tale of football prowess; it is a spirited story that celebrates pride, passion and the strength of family bonds. Krakouer!  is on show from 21 to 30 July.

To win a double pass, be one of the first five people to email us with 'Krakouer!' in the subject line.
State Library staff may not enter.