2016 PLC Sydney Students' Photographic Prize
The 2016 PLC Sydney Students’ Photographic Prize opened at Adelaide Perry Gallery on Thursday 28 April, in conjunction with a collection of exquisite work by noted Australian artist Daniel Shipp. The opening event was brimming with students, parents and the wider College community, keen to see this year’s selection of young photographers’ responses to the theme Botanical: Dream, Story and Survival. Prizes for Highly Commended in each section plus a First Prize for the overall winner were generously sponsored by PLC Sydney Foundation.
Special guest speaker, international photography award winner, Mr Daniel Shipp, made the official opening announcements. He congratulated the students on their efforts, encouraging them to strive to convey a story in their work and reminding them that “no-one can make a photograph the same way as you”. Mr Shipp’s series Botanical Inquiry, the inspiration for this years’ theme, depicts the secret life of plants in urban spaces. His botanical subjects are dramatically staged and meticulously lit for each composition, giving his scenes a surrealistic quality and imbuing the plants with anthropomorphic characteristics.
Awards were then presented to this year’s finalists. On behalf of PLC Sydney Foundation Ms Lisa Tomlinson - Alonso awarded First Prize and an Art Supply Voucher valued at $200 to Sophie Douglas in Year 10, for her entry entitled Immigrant. Sophie’s composition takes a seemingly ordinary semi-rural scene and through consideration of light, colour and narrative, makes a compelling juxtaposition of the man-made world with the natural.
Highly Commended prize winners were presented with an Art Supply Voucher valued at $50:
Pre-Kindergarten - Year 2: Anneke Ho, Pre-Kindergarten, Hanging Flowers
Years 3-6: Alyssa Toskas, Year 6, All You Can Eat
Transition: Lauren Webber, Year 10, Transforming the Past
Years 7-8: Miriam Ly, Year 8, An Established Pathway
Years 9-10: Jennifer Turner, Year 10, Water Tower
Years 11-12: Victoria Hu, Year 11, Green and Companionship
The Adelaide Perry Gallery is open 8.30 am – 4.00 pm weekdays and 11.00 am – 3.00 pm on Saturday 7 May at the PLC Sydney Open Day and Fair.
Above left (left to right): Dr Paul Burgis, Sophie Douglas, Daniel Shipp and Art & Design Captain Georgia Perivolaris, at the opening of the PLC Students’ Photographic Prize.
Above right: Sophie Douglas’ award winning photograph 'Immigrant'.