Docklands’ hidden photo gallery

In the heart of Docklands, tucked away above the Nixon Hotel off Batmans Hill Drive is a unique photo gallery.

XYZ opened at 757 Bourke St in 2021 and quickly established itself as a staple of Melbourne’s art scene.

Manager and curator Garrie Maguire says inspiration for the space came after working as an artist and photographer in China and the Philippines.

“XYZ has a similar intention to New York’s Museum of Modern Art in the ‘60s and ‘70s,” Garrie told Docklands News.

Anyone can make us aware of their work, all they have to do is make an appointment.

XYZ carries the work of famous photographers spanning centuries of work.

“And next to that you’ll find work from the account of an Instagram artist I really liked,” Garrie said.

Diversity of artists, genres, periods and themes were all key at XYZ, according to Garrie.

“We never just do one showing at a time.”

“Maybe people who walk in here won’t like part of what we’re showing, but maybe they’ll also love something else.”

The XYZ website lists the gallery as “proudly based in Docklands”, and its unique status as a creative local venue has also become part of its DNA.

Garrie said Melburnians had clung to negative sentiments about Docklands like the anathema that used to surround Collingwood.

“I’ve grown very conscious of the role of the gallery as entertainment for visitors,” he said.

XYZ is currently showing an exhibition 60 Degrees of Melbourne, featuring the work of more than 20 different photographers.

The gallery is open Thursday to Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. •