Maritime history meets the human form in new Sydney exhibition

An exhibition blending maritime history with the human form is set to showcase the work of French-Australian photographer Christopher de Doby.

The exhibition, opening tomorrow at Ellipsis Gallery Sydney, pairs black and white abstract nudes with portraits of some of the 20th century’s most iconic sailing yachts, including Tuiga (1909), Hispania (1909) and The Lady Anne (1911), all captured under full sail.

Drawing on the ancient tradition of ship figureheads, carved forms believed to protect vessels at sea, de Doby reimagines the idea through the human body, presenting the figure as both symbolic and elemental.

The result is a series that moves between fine art and nautical heritage, linking the elegance of historic yachts with the enduring visual power of the human silhouette.

De Doby began his career in Sydney, opening a studio at 20 and building a successful photography business spanning multiple studios and ventures. He later spent eight years sailing the South Pacific before returning to photography, where his work now focuses on portraiture, artistic nudes and classic yachts.

The exhibition runs from 15 April until 9 May at Sydney's Ellipsis Gallery, and is open Wednesday to Saturday 3-8 pm.

More info here.