Exclusive Interview with George Byrne

George Byrne is an acclaimed Australian photographer known for his striking use of color and composition. Byrne's work often captures urban landscapes with a minimalist and abstract aesthetic, transforming ordinary cityscapes into vivid, painterly images. His distinctive style highlights the beauty in everyday scenes, emphasizing geometry, light, and shadow to create visually captivating pieces. Byrne has gained international recognition for his unique approach to photography, blending elements of fine art and documentary to offer a fresh perspective on the urban environment.

The exhibition Synthetica is on view until July 14 at Show Gallery in Los Angeles. We asked him a few questions about his life and work:

All About Photo: Could you tell us about your first introduction to photography? What drew you into this world?

George Byrne: It was raw curiosity that led me into photography. I Ioved drawing and painting as a kid, but when my older sister started doing courses in b/w photography at High School, that piqued my interest. I started to borrow her camera to take pictures of my life, my neighborhood and the people in it.

You studied drawing, did it somehow shape your photographic eye?

I do think painting and drawing effected my approach to taking photos. From the beginning, I was trying to use photography to capture abstract ideas, not just record the world.



Who were your biggest influences as a student? And Now?

Andreas Gursky, Richard Deibenkorn, Josef Kodelka & Grant Mudford were all both great influences starting out. But there were too many to name!

Can you give us a quick insight into the Australian photographic art scene?

I’ve not lived in Australia in almost 15 years so I’m a little out of the loop! It seems a thriving art scene though.

What has each culture (Australian/American) given/taught you?

Compared to the USA, Australia is a relatively peaceful, calm, country with lots of space. So, I grew up with space. I had room to explore and dream. Having the opportunity to move to America as an adult was a huge privilege and one that really opened my mind. America is a thrilling and dynamic place to live.

What inspires your unique storytelling?

I can do what I do because of many years of practice and experimentation, my inspiration comes from finding the world around me fascinating.



Why do you work only in color?

I actually do work in b/w too, just not very often!

Can you tell us more about your show Synthetica?

This series is built around the idea of the photograph as the starting point of an image, not the finish point. That means I’m approaching photography as if it were malleable like a painting. I’m constructing dreamscapes.

Can you explain the type of manipulations and digital reconstruction you used for this project?

I mainly use various forms of collage when I’m creating my work. But I’m open to everything and experiment with all sort of manipulation.

How do you feel about AI photography?

I feel ambivalent about it, I don’t know. I think within 5 years, AI will be embedded within 99% of all photographs taken, and we’ll all adapt very quickly, like we always do.

What are your upcoming projects?

I have show’s opening in LA and Oslo coming up + I’m hoping to go and launch the French edition of my book at Paris Photo later in the year. I also have a new baby to look after, my most important project!