It’s frantic in the food halls of the bustling Queen Victoria Market. Garish red meat carcasses and cold white
neon lighting provide a macabre stage for the butchers who spruik their bargain cuts. Cleavers are sharpened, hands are grasping and bags are urgently filled. Further down, the fishmongers proudly display the fruits of the sea. Oysters and mussels, shiny and luscious on powdery ice are closely inspected by discerning older Chinese customers. Transactions are made. Some brief, some longer encounters. Outside, fresh produce invites and entices with a dazzling display of colour and aromas, some sweet smelling others well... not quite as fresh. For most people, these are a visitors first impressions.

But look closer. From down below, above and behind, inside and out, and more layers reveal themselves, telling us stories of days past as well as its present day plights and future concerns.

In 2016 Melbourne’s Image Chasers documented this precious pocket in the heart of Melbourne – the only surviving 19th century market in the CBD and the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere. Each photographer has chosen to approach the subject from a unique perspective revealing life in the market hub
of the city continues to thrive against the odds, as developers close in surrounding the area and council town planners set their sights on controversial renewal.

Subject to our first group meeting and discussion in February, this year we hope to show the results of our observations. Stay tuned!