Captivating Images Illuminate Mackay Laneway Gallery

By Hannah McNamara

Last Friday, a quiet laneway in Mackay transformed into a vivid display of colour, emotion, and life as Artspace Mackay revealed local photographer Marty Strecker’s newest collection. The Flow and Form of Energy invites viewers to step into a world where movement, light, and unseen forces are captured in striking portraits that pulse with feeling.

Among the collection, Marty says each image carries its own quiet power, inviting viewers to pause and reflect. From portraits that shimmer with unseen energy to landscapes infused with emotion, the artworks speak of connection, resilience, and the fleeting beauty of life, offering glimpses of stories that unfold slowly, drawing the audience into a world of feeling and interpretation.

Marty’s intimate artwork, combined with the laneway’s unexpected setting, creates an experience that encourages exploration, reflection, and discovery.

Through The Lens
Mackay Laneway Transforms Into A Canvas Of Life And Creativity

They say a picture tells a thousand words, and local photographer Marty Strecker proves it to be true.

Last Friday, Mackay’s Gregory Street laneway came alive with colour and creativity as Artspace Mackay unveiled Marty’s striking new collection of portraits at the Second Lane Blueprint Gallery.

The exhibition invites the community to experience the unseen energy that flows through life, captured beautifully through his lens.

Titled The Flow and Form of Energy, the collection has been described as “a profound meditation on aging, impermanence, and the cyclical nature of life.”

Marty described his work as capturing the energy that surrounds us.

“I think it's unwise to think that we're independent from nature, all the energy that circulates us. Each one of these images has a different story of how that energy may manifest,” he explained.

“It's particularly relevant to the people in the image.”

While the exhibition features multiple compelling works, one image holds a special place in Marty’s heart.

He captured a mother and daughter duo who had been growing their hair long to donate to a local cancer foundation. Marty blended the portrait of the young girl with a sunset landscape to reflect her energy and spirit.

“It was intentional… it was like it was flowing out of her, you could say, with the sunset… It all just depends on how you interpret it.”

The young girl attended the exhibition on the morning of the launch, adding a meaningful touch.

Marty explained that the collection came together over about a month.

“I've just had images for a while, sometimes I made new images straight after that. They're all my own images; no AI in that. I just found the feeling and blended them with what I thought worked for that person.”

Reflecting on the exhibition’s setting, Marty noted, “This isn’t really a conventional art gallery… it’s a little bit out of the way. That could be part of the appeal. You’ve gotta look for it, you gotta find it. I’m hoping people do that.”

He also highlighted the supportive local art community.

“Leanne is one of the other artists, a local watercolourist… there’s lots of people in town doing fabulous stuff, and I’m just lucky to be here at the moment to do this.”

For aspiring creatives, Marty advice is to “Just keep doing it.”

“There’s no perfection. There’s no wrong. It’s just how you feel. If it means something to you, that’s the most important part.”

Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood described Marty’s series as a meditation on impermanence, beauty, and resilience.

“Marty’s photographic series is a profound meditation on aging, impermanence and the cyclical nature of life,” Ms Heathwood said.

“His portraits challenge society’s binary perception of beauty and decay, offering instead an inclusive vision – one that honours every stage of life as meaningful and beautiful,” she added.

“Through works such as Hair Today (2024), Marty invites viewers into a dialogue about resilience, identity and the quiet elegance found in nature’s rhythms.”

The exhibition is part of Artspace Mackay’s Blueprint Galleries program, which gives emerging artists a public platform to showcase their work.

Mackay Regional Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee Co-chair Cr Namarca Corowa said, “By showcasing work in highly visible, outdoor locations, Blueprint helps artists build confidence, connect with audiences and transform early ideas into fully realised creative expressions.”

Mackay Regional Councillor Belinda Hassan attended on the morning and praised the program for its positive effects.

“This is another part of Council’s Blueprint series, giving local artists a very public platform to display their amazing work. Marty Strecker’s talent really highlights what we have in our community. Our City and Waterfront team have worked hard to activate our laneways as part of Council’s place strategy.

“It’s about encouraging people to look around and discover these beautiful public artworks. We want people to get out, explore the city, and enjoy the artworks while walking around our laneways.”

Marty Strecker’s exhibition opened on December 5, offering the Mackay community the chance to witness stories that are both personal and universally moving.

For more information on the Blueprint Galleries visit www.artspacemackay.com.au

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As part of Mackay Regional Council’s Blueprint Galleries program, a quiet laneway came alive last Friday as local photographer Marty Strecker unveiled The Flow and Form of Energy, a series of emotive portraits capturing the unseen forces, stories, and resilience that flow through everyday life. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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