Melbourne-based photographer Hussein Abdirahman Mohamud is offering an intimate glimpse into the city’s everyday life with his new zine, STREET
, published by the Centre for Contemporary Photography (CCP) and Perimeter Editions. Launched on , the zine is part of the CCP.PE.ZINE series, a collaborative publishing initiative designed to showcase emerging Australian photographic artists.
The project, years in the making, isn’t a meticulously planned study of urban existence, but rather a collection of imperfect snapshots
born from fleeting encounters. Mohamud describes the work as stemming from time spent walking and responding to interactions rather than from staged or planned shoots
. He sifted through thousands of images to arrive at the final selection, aiming to capture the essence of a city undergoing visible change.
Mohamud’s approach centers on capturing moments of genuine human connection, or the potential for it. Some images are direct portraits, resulting from brief exchanges with a person
, while others are more candid, documenting a person, a gesture, or a pause in movement
that caught his eye. He explains that the photographs operate as fragments that might reflect how daily life is experienced: in passing, in transition, and often without resolution
.
The zine’s release comes at a significant moment for both Mohamud and the organizations involved. Perimeter Editions and the CCP have been actively expanding their collaborative efforts, with STREET
following the release of four previous zines in 2025. The launch event, held at Perimeter Books in Thornbury, Victoria, on , featured artist signings and an introduction from representatives of both Perimeter and the CCP.
The CCP.PE.ZINE initiative itself represents a conscious effort to broaden access to photographic art. The series is specifically designed to provide a platform for emerging photographic artists to exhibit their work in an accessible zine format
. This focus on accessibility is a key component of the collaboration between the CCP, a leading contemporary photography institution, and Perimeter Editions, known for its independent publishing.
Mohamud’s background is as multifaceted as his artistic practice. He is not only a photographer but also a writer and a psychoanalyst in training. Based in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia, his work often explores the complexities of human experience and the subtle dynamics of urban life. STREET
reflects this interest, offering a nuanced perspective on the city and its inhabitants.
The zine’s physical form – 32 pages, 14.8 x 21 cm, saddle-stitched – contributes to its intimate feel. This format encourages a close and deliberate engagement with the images, inviting viewers to linger over each photograph and consider the stories they suggest. Mohamud hopes the collection will offer a sense of the city at a moment in time
.
The launch of STREET
follows a period of growing recognition for Mohamud’s work. The project has already garnered attention in the art world, with a gallery of images appearing in The Guardian just days before the zine’s official release on . This increased visibility underscores the growing interest in Mohamud’s unique photographic vision and his ability to capture the essence of contemporary urban life.
The collaborative nature of the CCP.PE.ZINE series highlights a broader trend within the Australian art scene: a move towards supporting emerging artists and fostering innovative publishing models. By partnering with Perimeter Editions, the CCP is able to reach a wider audience and provide a valuable platform for artists like Hussein Abdirahman Mohamud to share their work. The zine is currently available for purchase at Perimeter Books.
