Brisbane has joined the ranks of Tokyo, Shanghai, and Beijing with the opening of the southern hemisphere’s first Ricoh GR Space. Located in Spring Hill, the gallery and community hub celebrates Ricoh’s GR series of cameras, which have earned a devoted following among street photographers since their rise in popularity during the mid-2010s.
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Housed in the former Federal Police building on Wharf Street, the Spring Hill space is the vision of Sydney-based Clem Kennedy and his family’s company, CR Kennedy & Company. The company has a long-standing connection with Ricoh, having been the Australian Pentax distributor since 1954, and has played a key role in bringing the Japanese restaurant Komeyui to Brisbane.
Kennedy sees the gallery as part of Brisbane’s ongoing cultural growth, describing the region, including Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, as one of Australia’s fastest-growing areas, particularly in its artistic and cultural development.
Designed to mirror its international counterparts, GR Space Brisbane reflects Ricoh’s exact specifications for layout and materials. Local architects Series Two and builders Iridium brought the concept to life with aggregate concrete floors, grey gallery walls, and timber banquette units that double as shelving for photographic books curated by Booktopia. Every detail was refined through collaboration with Ricoh’s headquarters in Japan to ensure the space felt authentic and aligned with the brand’s identity.
The opening of GR Space Brisbane coincided with the launch of the GR IV, the latest iteration of Ricoh’s digital GR camera, first introduced as an analogue model in 1996. To mark the occasion, the gallery launched with an exhibition titled IV, showcasing the work of four Australian photographers using the GR IV.
Beyond exhibitions, the gallery is intended as a dynamic hub for photographers, artists and enthusiasts. Kennedy emphasises that GR Space Brisbane is not just a gallery but a community and cultural meeting point. Visitors can meet like-minded creatives and discuss photography as an art form.
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GR Space Brisbane features international-style design, curated photographic content, and a focus on community. Its presence reflects the city’s growing artistic landscape and provides a space where both emerging and experienced photographers can connect, learn, and showcase their work.
The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, at 203 Wharf Street, Spring Hill. It offers an accessible entry point for anyone interested in photography and the creative arts.
Published 13-October-2025
