Case study - Fondation Cartier - Sally Gabori

Case Study: Cartier Fine Art Foundation - Sally Gabori in Brisbane

I was commissioned by Cartier’s Fine Art Foundation to photograph a selection of works by renowned Australian artist Sally Gabori. The images were created for a publication accompanying the Foundation’s exhibition of her work, which was presented in Paris.

The brief required absolute precision. Cartier entrusted me to deliver imagery that was both technically exact and visually considered—work that respected the integrity of the paintings while meeting the highest international publishing standards.

The Creative Approach

Colour accuracy was paramount. Sally Gabori’s work is defined by its bold, expressive palette, and any deviation in tone or saturation would compromise the artwork itself. The challenge was to produce faithful reproductions while shooting in situ around Brisbane, rather than within a controlled studio environment. This led to a number of huge technical challanged such as light being positioned outside of rooms as the artworks were at times so large. When the owner of one piece told me that they had knocked a wall down to fit her work in, I figured their inconvenience in presenting Sally’s magnificent works was greater than mine!

The approach was intentionally quiet. Lighting was kept even and neutral, free from stylisation, allowing texture, brushwork, and colour relationships to remain untouched but visible. The goal was not interpretation, but translation, images that honoured the original works without intrusion.

The Shoot

Each artwork was photographed on location, with careful attention given to environmental control, reflections, and consistency across the series. Precision in exposure and colour management was maintained throughout, ensuring continuity between works destined for print.

Every decision was made with the final publication in mind, from framing to file preparation. The images needed to stand up to close scrutiny- both on the page and within the context of an international exhibition.

The Outcome

The final photographs were selected for inclusion in the publication produced to accompany the Paris exhibition. The work formed part of a broader effort to present Sally Gabori’s paintings to an international audience, maintaining their vibrancy and presence beyond the gallery walls.

This project reflects a core part of my practice: delivering high-standard, colour-accurate art and cultural photography in Brisbane for institutions, foundations, and publishers operating at a global level.

Services

Based in Brisbane, I work with galleries, foundations, and cultural institutions to produce publication-ready imagery that prioritises accuracy, care, and visual integrity.