the RIVER bled, contemporary photography by Sydney artist Teena McCarthy, in conjunction with the PLC Sydney Students’ Photographic Prize 2022
Mr Djon Mundine OAM, special guest speaker, with Dr Paul Burgis and PLC Sydney Students’ Photographic Prize winner, Micayla Galettis, Year 3
the RIVER bled, contemporary photography by Sydney artist Teena McCarthy, in conjunction with the PLC Sydney Students’ Photographic Prize 2022, was officially opened on Thursday 28 April at Adelaide Perry Gallery. PLC Sydney was honoured to have the participation of Mr Djon Mundine OAM as special guest speaker.
Mr Mundine is a foundational figure in the criticism, development and exhibition of contemporary Aboriginal art, who, nationally and internationally, has been widely
respected as an intellectual, activist and cultural leader since the 1970s.
Of Italian and Barkindji heritage, Teena McCarthy explores her identity in her multidisciplinary works, bravely unpacking issues of displacement and loss of culture that has punctuated her family history. Her works are inspired by her grandmother’s life history and are visually deeply rooted in the traditional customs practiced by Aboriginal communities in Barkindji Country, around the Darling River. The Gallery was thrilled to have the College’s Indigenous student community and their families in attendance, along with Indigenous Students Support Coordinator Ms Marissa Andrews. Julia McInerney of Year 12 performed a Welcome to Country to begin the official proceedings.
Mr Mundine with Dr Paul Burgis then presented the awards in this Year’s Students’ Photographic Prize. This year, students were asked to respond to the theme ‘Sacred Water’. Art & Design Captain Miss Lara Marassa concluded the official proceedings, presenting gifts of thanks to Ms McCarthy and Mr Mundine.
PLC Sydney Students’ Photographic Prize winner, Micayla Galettis, Year 3, for her photograph Reflections in the Stream.
Highly Commended award recipients received a certificate and a $50 art supplies voucher, generously supported by PLC Sydney Parents & Friends’ Association. In the following sections the winners were:
- Years Pre-Kindergarten to Year 1: Florence Curran, Year 1, Splishy, Sploshy, Splashy
- Years 3 to Year 6: Sophia Bressan, Year 5, Flower
- Years 7 & 8: Syricia Rowston, Year 8, My Crown
- Years 9 & 10: Mia Jamal Year 9, Tree lined still Murray Darling River
- Years 11 & 12: Amelia Rand, Year 11, 60% Water, 100% Joy
- Transition: Annalise Partington, Year 10, Falling in love underwater
The Overall Winner was then announced: Micayla Galettis, Year 3, for her photograph Reflections in the Stream, which captures beautiful visual properties of water in an original and interesting way. Micayla was presented with a certificate and $200 art supplies voucher, generously supported by PLC Sydney Parents & Friends’ Association.
Congratulations, Micayla!
To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place. It has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.
Elliott Erwitt