THE AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTOR of Ricoh products, C.R. Kennedy & Company Pty. Ltd., has opened the first GR Space in the Southern Hemisphere, located right in the heart of Brisbane.
Following the GR Space galleries Shanghai, Tokyo and Beijing, this new creative hub is designed to celebrate the culture, community, and artistry surrounding the legendary Ricoh GR compact cameras. It will serve as a meeting place for photographers, artists, and enthusiasts to connect, learn, and showcase their work. The opening ceremony was attended by Kazunobu Saiki who is the general manager of Ricoh Imaging’s Camera Business Division and is known as the “godfather of GR”, having been involved with the line since 1996. As an indication of the importance of the new showcase space, Ricoh Imaging’s President, Yasutomo Mori, was on hand to conduct the formal cutting of the ribbon and the ceremonial breaking of the sake barrel (a Japanese tradition which celebrates new beginnings and also brings good fortune).
The opening of GR Space Brisbane is timed to coincide with the launch of the GR IV, the latest model in the long GR line. To mark this occasion, an inaugural exhibition, titled simply IV, features the work of four long-time GR users, each showing their first creations made with the GR IV. The four are Hamish Ta-mé, Jason Lau, Zakari Kha and Canadian Chris Niccolls who is also well-known for hosting the PetaPixel podcast and his reports on the PetaPixel website.
The president of Ricoh Imaging Company Ltd, Yasutomo Mori, prepares for the ceremonial breaking of the sake barrel at the opening of GR Space Brisbane.
In addition to the photographic exhibitions, GR Space Brisbane is also showcasing a curated collection of photobooks, carefully selected by Booktopia. The exhibited works re produced as fine-art prints on Ilford Galerie Fine Art Papers,
“The GR series has always been more than just a camera – it’s a movement, a culture and a way of seeing the world,” commented C.R. Kennedy & Co. director, Clem Kennedy, “With GR Space Brisbane, we are creating a place to promote Australian home-grown talent, and we are honoured to have opened our doors at the same time as the global launch of the Ricoh GR IV.”
GR Space Brisbane will host regular exhibitions, workshops and events designed to showcase Australian photography while also connecting local creatives to the global GR culture. GR Space Brisbane is located at Level 2, 203 Wharf Street, Spring Hill, Brisbane 4000. For more information visit wharf203.com.au/gr-space-brisbane, and on Instagram @RicohGRAustralia
Published in Australia Camera Magazine, November 2025
