The phenomenon of facial hair has enjoyed a distinct renaissance over the past decade, serving to remind us all of the cyclical nature of fashions and trends.
From the bearded lady to bushy hipsters, a series of photographic works of people sporting impressive and interesting facial hair is on display in the lobby at QT Canberra at 1 London Circuit until mid-June.
The photographs featured were taken by award-winning photographer Brock Elbank.
The exhibition began as a charity project when Elbank teamed up with Jimmy Niggles known for his charity called Beard Season in Australia, raising awareness about skin cancer through persuading men to grow beards and start a much-needed conversation about the importance of regular skin checks during the winter season.
Jimmy Niggles says of skin checks- “Everyone says they want to get a check but never get around to it, so we thought if we can convince someone to make the commitment to grow a beard – we can convince them to get a check. The most at risk are blokes, aged 18-45. Brock Elbank adds his project is much more than just about beards – ‘It’s just interesting people, a real cross-section of society that are brought together in this show.”
“It started out as a side project that soon became a full-time labour of love. Over 1,500 beards applied world-wide for the 54 exhibition places. The project has now travelled from Australia to Brazil, Sweden, Germany, Italy, the US. Photos featured include artist Gavin Turk, Footballer Tim Howard, Style Guru Nick Wooster and actor Sir John Hurt to name a few.
The subjects of Elbank’s photographs are diverse in much the same way the beards are.
As someone who has had a beard for over 50 years I am often amazed at the variety of styles. Although I keep mine trimmed I do admire those huge bushy beards but find some of the ‘competition’ beards from European countries with huge twirls which take hours to maintain, a bit bizarre.
Go along and have a look at the exhibition and while you are there you can take advantage of the services of the talented beard and hair groomers of The Barber Shop at QT Canberra.
What do you think of the beard craze sweeping the capital and the globe?
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