Eye to Eye showcases the work of Francis Edgar Williams, a remarkable Australian who served as the government anthropologist in Papua during a period of immense change. He spent more time doing anthropological research in Papua than anyone before or since, and his observations reveal a meticulous observer, a dry humorist, and a man with a deep respect and affection for Papuan people and their traditional culture. He took hundreds of photographs which form the basis of this exhibition.

The exhibition examines Williams’ relationship with the Australian colonial administration, and with the people of Papua through his work as an anthropologist. The complex nature of anthropological photography is also considered in Eye To Eye.

A contemporary component refers to the continuation of anthropological fieldwork in the region. And an oral history recording by a Papuan woman reminds us that Williams’ photographs and field notes are vitally important to Papuan people today, documenting their past and reminding them of stories told by their grandparents.