I came across Stephen Klein's work around 18 months ago.  Since then I have been following his work closely.  He has a raw + unexpected composition to his photography that I really admire & am inspired by.  I also think his colour palette is really very contemporary & borders on the look of oil on canvas at times. Have a look for yourself http://www.stevenkleinstudio.com.

Helen Kontouris gave a talk at the National Gallery of Victoria on her 101 chair which is part of the Cicely & Colin Rigg Design Award http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/rigg2009/ The exhibition runs until the end of August 2009.