The Ballarat International Foto Biennale has announced British-Ghanaian artist and photographer Campbell Addy will headline the major event in August 2025 with the major solo exhibition, I ❤ Campbell.
I ❤ Campbell, will be exclusively shown as part of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale. Featuring a newly conceived set of images, original paintings and a short film shot on location in Ghana, I ❤ Campbell reflects a personal meditation on the artist’s roots and inspiration.
“I am honoured to present my work in Australia, where my practice converges as an intimate love letter to the world,” said Campbell. “I’m intrigued to see how the people of Australia will connect with and interpret my work.”
“As a contemporary artist, I believe in the significance of forging meaningful connections with new communities, and I hope that through I ❤ Campbell, I can foster those bonds and inspire dialogue,” said Campbell.
Photographer, filmmaker and artist Campbell Addy grew up in a hyper visible world, which is shown in his photographs, drawing inspiration from his culturally diverse upbringing. His work follows unique narratives and authentic emotions in nature, with a focus on distinctive casting.
Faces such as Kendall Jenner, Tim Cook, FKA Twigs, Dr Naomi Campbell, Tyler the Creator and more have appeared in front of Campbell’s lens, to be seen on magazine covers around the world.
Since graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2016, Campbell Addy’s striking imagery has garnered him international success and awards, including the 2021 Forbes 30 under 30 list, British Fashion Awards in both 2018 and 2019, and The Isabella Blow award from Fashion Creator from the British Fashion Council in 2023. In November 2024, the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain awarded Addy with the RPS Award for Fashion, Advertising and Commercial Photography.
In 2025, Ballarat International Foto Biennale celebrates the 11th anniversary of the festival which was established 20 years ago in 2005. As part of the festival celebrations in 2025, the first stage of the National Centre for Photography will officially open in the former Union Bank stunning heritage-listed building located in the heart of Ballarat in October, providing a new space for photography, exhibitions, art and ideas.
Ballarat International Foto Biennale CEO Vanessa Gerrans said 2025 would be a major year for the Ballarat and regional Australia arts community. “Ballarat is fast becoming the creative capital of regional Australia. We are honoured to have the inspirational Campbell Addy headlining the Foto Biennale next year,” said Vanessa.
“This contemporary and masterful exhibition is a major coup for Ballarat and regional Victoria as we continue to draw photography and art lovers to the region for the Biennale.”
“With the first stage of the National Centre for Photography building opening in October, our aim is to become a year-round destination for artists and audiences to inspire, create and partake in the culture of photography,” said Vanessa.
Ballarat International Foto Biennale runs from 23 August to 19 October 2025. The full program will be released mid-2025. For more information and program updates, visit: www.ballaratfoto.org for details.
Image: Campbell Addy, The First Rainbow, 2023