It’s rare that a living artist’s work is accepted into the State Library of Victoria’s collection, but Newcastle creative agency Headjam has managed to do just that.

This City Speaks to Me is a documentation of Australian bohemia through the lens of Luke Kellett, Principal of Headjam Creative.

The work is part of a new exhibition at the State Library of Victoria titled ‘Bohemian Melbourne’ which opened on Thursday, 11 December 2014. The exhibition explores Melbourne’s enduring counter-cultures and celebrates a who’s who of creative free spirits.

Luke travelled to Melbourne for the exhibition opening and said it was an honour to have his work selected by the curator, Claire Williamson, for the exhibition.

“To have Headjam’s work included amongst artists’ work that dates back to 1806 is a privilege,” Luke said.

“Melbourne’s bohemian culture is fascinating. This City Speaks To Me includes a series of portraiture and documentary photographs including negatives and rare Polaroid film that revolves around Melbourne’s warehouse-cum-studio and grassroots arts spaces.”

‘Bohemian Melbourne’ is currently open to the public and runs until Sunday, 22 February 2015 at the Keith Murdoch Gallery, State Library of Victoria.

This City Speaks To Me was acquired by State Library of Victoria for its private collection in 2011.

Image | A photograph from the exhibition