Paul O’Brien, a Brisbane photographer, donated 880 negatives to the State Library of Queensland in 2013, recognizing their historical value. He began his photography journey with a Kodak 110 camera and later transitioned to using 35-millimeter cameras, diligently cataloging all his negatives. O’Brien’s collection includes iconic images of Brisbane bands such as the Go-Betweens, the Apartments, and the Riptides, as well as captures of the punk scene in Brisbane during the early 1980s. His work also features candid shots of people at shows and on the streets of Brisbane, providing a unique insight into the era.
The Brisbane punk scene, as well as the broader cultural history of the city, greatly benefitted from O’Brien’s presence with a camera in hand. His photographs depict the vibrancy and energy of the music scene at the time, capturing the essence of small gigs and DIY performances that were integral to the underground culture of Brisbane. O’Brien’s keen eye and ability to shift focus from just the bands to the crowds of people attending the shows adds nuance and depth to his collection. His work offers a rare glimpse into a pivotal period in Brisbane’s music history that might have otherwise been lost.
O’Brien’s photographs have been compiled in a book titled “Nowhere Fast: Punk and Post-punk Brisbane 1978 to 1982” and are accompanied by essays from notable figures in the music scene, such as Robert Forster and John Willsteed. Forster highlights the political climate of the late 1970s that led many young people, including himself, to leave Brisbane, emphasizing the role of O’Brien’s photographs in preserving moments of camaraderie and cultural significance. Willsteed discusses the diverse perspectives and influences that shaped the subcultures in Brisbane, pointing to the impact of critical thinking and political education at local universities.
The exhibition of O’Brien’s work at the Woolloongabba Art Gallery features a selection of his photographs, offering viewers a visual journey through the punk and post-punk scene in Brisbane. Panel discussions and live shows complement the exhibition, providing context and insight into the cultural backdrop of the era. O’Brien’s images capture not only the music and fashion of the time but also the social interactions, friendships, and shared experiences that defined the underground music scene in Brisbane during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Through his lens, O’Brien was able to document a crucial period in Brisbane’s cultural history, showcasing the creativity, rebellion, and sense of community that characterized the punk and post-punk scenes of the time. His photographs serve as a visual time capsule, preserving moments of spontaneity, passion, and energy that defined the era. By donating his negatives to the State Library of Queensland, O’Brien has ensured that future generations can access and appreciate the rich tapestry of music, subculture, and social movements that marked this significant period in Brisbane’s history.
