On Thursday May 14 in a Collingwood studio, Australian Musician attended Isamu Sawa’s photo exhibition VIRTUOSITY, a celebration of 80 years of Maton Guitars. The night featured a fabulous performance by Diesel in front of Maton Guitars staff, family, friends, media and celebrities including Paul Dempsey and Stephanie Ashworth from Something For Kate and former motor racing star Mark Skaife among others. Tommy Emmanuel couldn’t make it due to Guitar Camp duties but sent a touching video message which was played to all.
Greg Phillips reports and Jason Rosewarne took some wonderful photos.
Celebrating 80 years of Maton Guitars, acclaimed photographer Isamu Sawa presentS “VIRTUOSITY,” a solo exhibition capturing the artistry and meticulous craftsmanship of Maton’s iconic handmade guitars. The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the detailed workmanship behind these instruments—famed for their distinctive sound and played by legends such as Tommy Emmanuel, Keith Urban, and George Harrison.
Drawing on exclusive access to the Maton factory, Sawa’s evocative still-life studies document the journey from raw Australian timber to world-class instrument. Inspired by the guitar maker’s ‘bookmatched’ soundboards, each work is presented as a diptych—a paired set of images that symbolise the transformation, skill, and passion at the heart of Maton’s process. The exhibition pays tribute not only to the instrument but also to the artisans whose expertise and dedication have defined the brand for eight decades.
Central to the exhibition is the story of the “Maton Master Built T.E. Personal,” a collaboration between Maton’s Master Built Team and guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel. Through carefully staged studio photography, Sawa highlights each stage of production, revealing the material beauty and human spirit behind every guitar.
“VIRTUOSITY” is Sawa’s fourth solo exhibition, embodying a career influenced by the meticulous discipline of his Japanese heritage and the innovative spirit of Australia. His work has been showcased in major Australian galleries and appears in private and corporate collections worldwide. Collectors and enthusiasts are invited to purchase large-scale, limited edition archival pigment prints throughout the exhibition.
“VIRTUOSITY” EXHIBITION:
Opening Weekend – Saturday, 16th May 2026, 10am – 4pm (free entry)
Isamu Sawa Photography Gallery, 9 Glasshouse Road, Collingwood, Victoria
Exhibition open daily from 10am to 4pm until Sunday, 24th May 2026
VIRTUOSITY Website – https://www.isamusawafineart.com/virtuosity
