Key Takeaways:
- Kazuaki Ono, a Sydney photographer, has embarked on a project called Southern Crust, capturing Australia’s unique bread culture through photographs of artisanal bread in various landscapes.
- Ono visited 24 Australian bakeries, evading challenges such as red-bellied black snakes and driving extreme distances to capture the perfect shot.
- The project showcases a variety of artisanal baking styles and celebrates Australia’s diverse landscapes, from the Pinnacles Desert to the Blue Mountains.
- Ono’s goal is to share Australian culture with an international audience and promote the country’s unique bread-making traditions.
- The project has also allowed Ono to connect with bakers and share knowledge about fermentation, shaping, and other aspects of the trade.
Introduction to Southern Crust
The Southern Crust project is a unique and fascinating endeavor that showcases Australia’s diverse bread culture through stunning photographs. Kazuaki Ono, a Sydney-based photographer, has traveled to 24 bakeries across the country, capturing the beauty of artisanal bread in various landscapes. From the Pinnacles Desert to the Blue Mountains, Ono’s photographs highlight the unique characteristics of each bread and the environment in which it is placed. The project is not only a celebration of Australian bread but also a testament to the country’s diverse landscapes and the people who make them special.
The Concept and Inspiration
The idea for Southern Crust began in May last year, when Ono was asked to participate in a Tokyo exhibition scheduled for October 2025. As an experienced commercial photographer and owner of Sydney’s Akipan bakery, Ono saw an opportunity to merge his skills and showcase Australian bread culture to an international audience. He decided to focus on small, family-run businesses that are vital to their local communities, highlighting the importance of these bakeries in preserving traditional bread-making techniques and promoting community engagement.
The Journey and Challenges
Ono’s journey took him to various parts of Australia, where he encountered numerous challenges, including red-bellied black snakes and extreme distances. He drove for hours to reach remote locations, often carrying heavy equipment and bread, to capture the perfect shot. Despite the challenges, Ono was determined to showcase the beauty of Australian bread and the landscapes that inspire it. He spent hours photographing pastries in peculiar places, from the Blue Mountains to the NSW South Coast, and even encountered a red-bellied black snake while shooting at Camel Rock.
The Art of Bread Photography
Ono’s photographs are not just about capturing the beauty of bread but also about telling a story. He carefully selects the location and backdrop for each shot, often spending hours waiting for the right light and atmosphere. His photograph of Honorbread’s fougasse at Camel Rock, for example, perfectly complements the ancient geological formations, while his portrait of Organic Bread Bar’s pretzel croissant cleverly echoes the Sydney Opera House in view. Ono’s attention to detail and creativity have resulted in a stunning collection of photographs that showcase the diversity and uniqueness of Australian bread.
The Exhibition and Reception
The Southern Crust exhibition was showcased in Tokyo in October, where it drew a significant audience and received positive feedback. Ono’s motivation for the exhibition was not only to showcase Australian bread but also to promote the country’s culture and encourage people to visit. The exhibition was a success, and Ono is now planning to make Southern Crust accessible to wider audiences, including staging an exhibition in Australia. He believes that the project has the potential to inspire people to learn more about Australian bread and culture, and he is committed to continuing the project and sharing it with the world.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The Southern Crust project is a unique and inspiring endeavor that showcases the beauty and diversity of Australian bread culture. Through his stunning photographs, Ono has captured the essence of Australian bread and the landscapes that inspire it. The project has not only promoted Australian culture but also connected Ono with bakers and enthusiasts from around the world. As Ono continues to work on the project, he hopes to inspire people to learn more about Australian bread and culture, and to promote the country’s unique bread-making traditions to a wider audience. With plans to stage an exhibition in Australia and continue photographing bakeries, Ono’s Southern Crust project is sure to delight and inspire audiences for years to come.
