Brisbane, Australia is set to make photography history by becoming the fourth global location for Ricoh's innovative GR Space concept when it opens this October. The new facility will mark a significant milestone as the first GR Space to operate outside of Asia and Australia's inaugural photography community hub of this kind.
Ricoh Imaging, the company behind the highly popular GR series cameras, currently operates three existing GR Space locations in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Beijing. These venues serve as much more than traditional camera showrooms, functioning instead as dedicated community hubs designed specifically for photographers and visual artists.
According to Ricoh, each GR Space location offers a unique blend of exhibitions, events, and cultural programming that explores the philosophy of snapshot art that defines the GR camera series. The concept originally launched in Tokyo, Japan as a community-focused space before expanding to two locations in China and now making its debut in the Southern Hemisphere.
"More than a gallery, it's a space for community, creativity and culture - hosting exhibitions, workshops and events that showcase both local talent and global GR artistry," GR Space explains. The Brisbane location will feature not only photographic exhibitions but also a carefully curated collection of photobooks selected by Booktopia, adding a literary dimension to the visual arts experience.
The timing of the Brisbane opening coincides strategically with the global launch of the Ricoh GR IV, the latest iteration in Ricoh's acclaimed line of compact travel and street photography cameras. The inaugural exhibition will spotlight the work of four Australian GR photographers, who will be presenting their first printed works captured using the new GR IV camera.
All exhibited photographic works will be produced as fine art prints on Ilford Galerie Fine Art Papers, demonstrating the GR series' commitment to superior image quality and creative expression. This attention to print quality underscores the serious artistic intent behind the GR Space concept.
"The GR series has always been more than just a camera - it's a movement, a culture, and a way of seeing the world," said Clem Kennedy, Director of GR Space Brisbane. "With GR Space Brisbane, we are creating a place to promote Australian homegrown talent, and we are honored to open our doors at the same time as the global launch of the Ricoh GR IV."
The opening celebration will feature additional international representation, with photographs taken on the GR IV by PetaPixel's Chris Niccolls included in the exhibition. Niccolls will attend the invite-only grand opening event scheduled for October 10, adding an international perspective to the local talent showcase.
The inaugural exhibition will remain on display through November, giving visitors ample opportunity to experience the new space and see the capabilities of the GR IV camera through the lens of talented photographers. GR Space Brisbane is located at Wharf 203, Level 2/203 Wharf Street in Spring Hill, Brisbane, Australia, positioning it in a vibrant cultural district of the city.
