Two diverse perspectives from different generations – born from unique worldly experiences at distinct stages of their careers. One might expect the result of this experiment to be a contrast of style and vision when in fact, the outcome is a dialogue between photographers – an exhibition framed as a ‘conversation’ between two exceptional voices.
 
From August 1st through the end of October 2025, the Leica Galleries in Melbourne and Sydney present a unique photographic dialogue between Steve McCurry and Jessie Brinkman Evans.
 
Steve McCurry – standing out amongst his peers as one of the most renowned figures in contemporary photography – imparts a diverse collection of works portraying the essence of humanity from all corners of the globe. In response, Jessie Brinkman Evans reveals the enduring culture of a remote Arctic community as they struggle to balance extreme isolation with an unwavering sense of identity.
 
 
The eighth instalment of twelve exhibitions taking place each month at Leica Galleries across the world, the ‘In Conversation’ series of exhibitions comes to Australia in Melbourne and Sydney, showcasing the coalescence of works by iconic masters with the voices of today’s photographic visionaries. As part of a global initiative, the exhibitions serve to depict twelve dynamic pairings whose work complements, reflects and inspires.
 
Through a comprehensive collection of works from both photographers, ‘In Conversation’ brings together two unique perspectives that move along distinct yet parallel paths. The exhibition doesn’t contrast generations – rather, it reveals two standpoints of seeing and inhabiting the world through photography.
 
As someone who has witnessed the world for more than 40 years, Steve McCurry captures life through evocative compositions with an inimitable colour palette. Jessie Brinkman Evans, by contrast seeks out the unspoken fissures of everyday life, unearthing the emotional layers that permeate just beneath the surface. Together, their work creates a dynamic tension between documentation and interpretive vision.
 
In honour of 100 years since the release of the Leica I, the exhibition is more than a tribute to a landmark camera. It is an invitation to witness the meeting of two distinct yet deeply authentic photographic voices who question, respect and illuminate each other – not seeking similarity, but mutual recognition.
 
In these 100 years, Leica has helped shape the visual record of the human experience. Through its network of galleries, it remains a leading voice in international photographic culture – championing both emerging artists and the legacies of the great masters who came before.
 
‘In Conversation’ is the result of a collaborative journey that epitomises the very spirit of the exhibition. Collaboration lies at the heart of every meaningful connection and true dialogue begins when we genuinely listen. In this sense, Leica is more than just a vehicle for capturing images. It is a witness to time, a keeper of memories and a bridge between generations. It reveals what is most enduring about the world we live in – our humanity.
 
About the Artists:
Steve McCurry
 
Steve McCurry has been one of the most iconic voices in contemporary photography for more than forty years, with over twenty books, and numerous exhibitions around the world.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; McCurry studied film and fine art photography at the Pennsylvania State University. After several years of freelance work, McCurry made his first of what would become many trips to 
South Asia. Traveling with little more than a bag of clothes and another of film, he made his way across the subcontinent, exploring the region with his camera.
 
It was after several months of travel, he met a group of refugees from Afghanistan, who smuggled him across the border into their country, just as the Russian Invasion was unfolding. Emerging after weeks embedded with the Mujahideen, McCurry brought the world some of the first images of the conflict in Afghanistan.
 
Since then, McCurry has gone on to create stunning images. His work spans conflicts, vanishing cultures, ancient traditions and contemporary culture alike - yet always retains the human element.
 
McCurry has been recognised with some of the most prestigious awards in the industry, including the Robert Capa Gold Medal. The Minister of French Culture has also appointed McCurry a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters and most recently, the Royal Photographic Society in London awarded McCurry the Centenary Medal for Lifetime Achievement.
 
 
Jessie Brinkman Evans
 
Jessie Brinkman Evans is a photographer with a deep affinity for capturing light.
 
While balancing her time between creating editorial and documentary images alongside clients ranging from Visit Greenland, Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism, Conde Nast Traveller, and Broadsheet, she has spent nearly a
decade photographing the Arctic.
 
Along Greenland’s ice-locked shores she has worked to capture the uniqueness of life in the Arctic, exploring the interplay of land and culture.
 
With roots in Southern California and Australia, she has a deep appreciation for nature, and a passion
for capturing beautiful spaces.