Juno Gemes is a Hungarian-born Australian photographer, publisher, and social justice activist. Her photographs are held in major Australian collections, including the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery of Australia. Her work has played a significant role in documenting First Nations cultural strength, political activism, and contemporary Australian history.
In this episode of Art Wank, we speak with acclaimed Australian photographer and activist Juno Gemes, whose work has documented the lives, culture, and political struggles of First Nations people for more than five decades.
Born in Budapest and arriving in Australia as a child, Gemes began her creative life in theatre before turning to photography in the 1970s. Her images have become an invaluable visual record of key moments in Australia's history, including the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, land rights campaigns, the handback of Uluru, and the National Apology to the Stolen Generations.
Known as a "quiet activist," Gemes discusses the role of photography as witness, collaboration, and social change. We explore her time with Sydney's legendary Yellow House artist collective, her approach to building trust with communities, and why visibility and representation have remained central to her practice.
The conversation also touches on a life spent moving between photography, publishing, theatre, and activism, and reflects on the responsibilities artists have when documenting people, place, and history.