TITLE: Take A Risk

"Take a Risk" reflects the uncertainty and courage of being an artist. Choosing this career path is a constant gamble, where every decision—whether creating or sharing work—requires a willingness to face potential failure, judgment, or rejection. The piece explores the risks artists take simply by exposing their work to the world, a vulnerable act of 'sticking your neck out.' It’s a visual representation of how far I’m willing to go in this uncertain journey, embracing the challenges that come with putting myself and my art on display.

AUTHOR: Fester Demos (Australia)


Fester is a Narrm/Melbourne-based artist operating within the constraints of film photography, challenging its limits to uncover new creative possibilities. Their work strips imagery down to its essence, exploring the nature of perception and reality.

Fester believes that in today's digital culture, true surrealism can only be realised through analogue methods. The tactile, physical nature of these processes allows for a deeper dive into the surreal, grounded in the mantra: “it’s not surreal if it’s not real.” Their studio-based photography is meticulously constructed and labor-intensive, marked by a distinct balance of the dark and uncanny with a strangely camp sensibility.

Inspired by the surrealist artists of the 1920s, Fester’s work embraces the unexpected, weaving together humour and unease. This interplay creates a striking dialogue, revealing that even in darkness, there is space for absurdity, joy, and creativity.