Thirty-Seven Degrees
The Photography of Jon Rendell

1 November 2021–30 January 2022
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Atrium Gallery, Level 35

At the age of 37, I left my hometown of Melbourne to live the next 25 years in San Francisco. I returned permanently to Melbourne two years ago and in this exhibition (37º), I contrast images of San Francisco (37º above the equator) with recent images of Melbourne (37º below the equator).

Both are economically significant port cities perched upon vast bays. Much of their early wealth and expansion came from simultaneous gold rushes and with that, expansive Chinatowns. Melbourne's Chinatown is notable for being the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the western world, only because San Francisco's Chinatown was destroyed briefly by the 1906 earthquake and fire. San Francisco has cable cars while we have our trams. Both cities are enveloped by renowned wine growers. Both cities present remarkable atmospheric displays by way of their characteristic fog, San Francisco in summer, Melbourne in winter.

When I returned permanently to Melbourne in 2019 I found it born anew, an international showcase, an arts filled epicurean paradise. I'd always been in awe of her stately gold-rush enriched architecture and suddenly, upon my return I was met with an international skyline of sleek skyscrapers and a city filled with an even more diverse mix of cultures. U.S. friends often ask if I miss San Francisco and I'd always reply that I find more than enough in Melbourne to keep me captivated and enthralled. 

Melbourne now holds the record for the longest cumulative lockdown for any city in the world. I am hopeful it will be lifted in time for us to have an opening for the exhibition sometime in November. Please enjoy a small selection of the work that is currently on show at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.

Morning Fog Central Waterfront, San Francisco

Golden Gate from China Beach, San Francisco

Public Fishing Pier, Aqua Vista Park, San Francisco

Fisherman's Wharf

Intersection of Market, Geary and Kearny Streets

San Francisco Bay

Melbourne Arts Centre and Federation Square

Black Swans Feeding, Melbourne

Melbourne Skyline Behind Docks

Degraves Espresso, Melbourne

Blue Blubber Jellyfish, Melbourne

Mornington Peninsula, Port Philip Bay, Melbourne