Pia Jessen with one of her photographs. Photo: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE GALLERY
Redlands photographer Pia Jessen EFIAP/p APSEM Hon FAPS will present her solo exhibition Tribal at the Old SchoolHouse Gallery in Cleveland from Thursday, November 13 to Sunday, November 30.
The exhibition, which has been officially selected as part of Sydney’s Head On Photo Festival Open Program, offers audiences an opportunity to experience a body of work that has gained national recognition.
The Head On Photo Festival is a world-leading annual photography festival based in Sydney, presented by the not-for-profit Head On Foundation. A diverse program of exhibitions, talks, and workshops showcases Australian and international artists and thought leaders across all genres.
Being selected for the Head On Festival Open Program places Tribal among a curated group of exhibitions recognised for their artistic and cultural significance, bringing international attention to Pia Jessen’s work and offering Queensland audiences an opportunity to experience this series.
A passionate travel and portrait photographer, Pia’s love of adventure has taken her to remote and off-the-beaten-track destinations. Deeply motivated by human connection and cultural storytelling, her work is driven by respect and authentically, the Cleveland Tribal exhibition reflects her long-standing fascination with the Suri people of southwestern Ethiopia, whose traditions and identities have been preserved for thousands of years.
The exhibition showcases personal portraits of the people and the rich cultural practices of these communities, including body painting with white ash, chalk, and red ochre clay, as well as adornments made from beads, feathers, shells, and other prized objects crafted with creativity. Scarification, piercings, and distinctive lip plates worn voluntarily and with pride by women are presented not as curiosities, but as expressions of beauty, strength, and cultural identity.
“With Tribal, I wanted to honour the strength and beauty of cultural traditions that continue to shape identity today. These images are about respect, resilience, and the stories that live within communities,” said Pia Jessen.
While lip plates are often misunderstood by outsiders, within the Suri and Mursi tribes, they are a symbol of beauty, status, and commitment to culture. Traditionally worn during weddings, dances, and ceremonial gatherings, they remain a powerful marker of identity. Pia presents these practices with dignity and context.
In November, the Old SchoolHouse Gallery will also be installing pop-up shops featuring Christmas gifts by members, offering a plethora of artwork and artisan products to help with your Christmas shopping. The gallery will also host a Christmas Market on November 15, featuring gifts, coffee, children’s activities, and much more.
The exhibition will be shown at the Old SchoolHouse Gallery, located on Shore Street North, Cleveland, and will be open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Thursday through Sunday, and on Public Holidays. Entry is free.
A special morning tea to celebrate the exhibition’s opening will be held on Sunday, November 16, from 10:00a.m. to 12:00 noon, where you can meet Pia and discuss her work. Everyone is welcome.
