(Images of Award recepients will be posted shortly)
Gillean Shaw
Gillean Shaw has been the Art Curator for the University of Newcastle since early 2008. The role encompasses the Gallery program, the University Art Collection which now boasts over 1000 pieces, and the Senta Taft-Hendry Museum of Oceanic Art. Gillean holds a MFA for research into the presentation of material culture and has worked for the Newcastle Region Art Gallery, the Lovett Gallery and established Podpsace gallery in Newcastle as well as operating a commercial gallery in Sydney. Gillean has been head of Media at the Newcastle University and has taught photography for many many years.
Having worked as a lecturer, freelance curator and artist prior to her current role, Gillean now finds all her previous positions have come into play in the diverse job description of University Art Curator.
Her comments
The standard was so high among all the entries that the task of awarding one winner was immensely difficult. The quality and standard fromthe Local section tothe Open showed that Local photographers have wonderful conceptual and technical work to rival the Open entries and I would encourage locals to submit entries next time in both sections!
WINNER OF THE OPEN SECTION
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#86….. Herc's Eye View……Robert De Brito
Since photographer's were first able to photograph from hot air balloons and the Eifel Tower, the birds eye view has captivated humanity. This work gives us a new view of Uluru, one that we all know from ground level - a new shape, form and colour of our most famous and spiritual icon. This view presents a disruption to that perhaps complacent view and provides a greater context of landscape. The colour and arrangment is quite filmic - the Herc's propellors glisten with a metallic majesty which give the composition another element of disruption - a very exciting work
WINNER OF THE LOCAL SECTION
#15….. Run with the Clouds…..Wendy Davison
Technically precise, this image captures an enduring vision of the australian rural landscape - it taps in to the tradition of the vastness of the arcadian landscape so revered by painters such as Landseer. The detail over every point of the photograph is spectacular - as is the sky, clouds and cattle themselves as they hurtle out of the frame - it is this tension that gives this image an enduring and contemporary edge - these are no quiet cows and among the huge vista presented to us, we are reminded that nature is the director on this stage.
WINNER OF THE UNDER 25
# 18…….. defence force federation guard………Mark Snow
Shows a very high level of technical skill - use of selective focus enhances the central composition which has all the drama of what Henri Cartier Bresson called the "decisive moment" the capture of the batons in mid air shows a very exciting precision, and makes the batons the star of the composition. Although the backdrop could be anywhere, this work talks about a very important aspect of rural life and one which rural Australia does so well, community. A perfect blend of skill, composition and theme.
Highly Commended
LOCAL Section
# 4……. Obsession…..Mark Southcombe
quintessential and shows hardship and humour of the australian landscape and farming life - it shows a moment of intimacy on a broad picture plane
# 9…… Show Jumping at 2011 Bengalla …….Mark Snow
A fabulous portrait of a working relationship between rider and horse with a wonderful expression of determination
# 40….Corn Express……Sue Shumaker
Intimate and nurturing image of the soft side of farming - wonderful subjects and colour
# 54……What's Next……..Lachlan Lamont
Sam is a star - this image was so effective in its capture of a moment the colour and light is so Australian
Commended
Local
# 19………… Rural match……..Rhonda Thwaite
# 21………. Rural fire fighting…….Katrina Partridge
# 29……….. Follow me………..Gary Passfield
# 31………. Firebomber heading in…..Harley Mckillop
# 36……….. Review……..Sue Shumaker
Highly Commended
OPEN SECTION
# 55…….. Colourful racing identities………Quentin Jones
colour fantastic - contemporary composition - amusing portrait
#60……….. Thirsty work………..Sahlan Hayes
pathos - great composition redolent of early landscape - particularly Millais - showing tenderness
# 63……….. Not today thanks……….Katrina Partridge
awesome moment .. perfect technically - a fantastic capture – exciting…. and colour superb
#84…….. Shearing the rams…….Quentin Jones
a romantic view that captures a contemporary view that is largely unchanged from Tom Robert's Shearing the Rams - fabulous
# 85…….. Fixing the farmhouse Chimney…..Edward Richards
Filmic - an ordinary moment and the colour of red against blue - like early 50's Australian movie Jedda - where colour was acknowledged as ours and different - intense and saturated
# 99……. Rodeo Rider………Vicki Burnett
Extraordinary capture of a moment in time - involves the viewer in the drama - perfect technically -
Commended
Open Section
#64…… Sticks and Speed on Steeds……Annie Rodgers
#65…….storm Riders….Sally Alden
# 66…….. Weekend warriors……Sally Alden
# 73…….. Out to the boundary…….Charles McKean
# 96…….. The Glenworth valley muster…….Michael Clements
Arts council choice award for Local Section……
#20 …..Firebomber Drop…….Harriet Mckillop
Arts Council Choice Award for Open Section
#92…..Leap of Faith ……..Annette Blattman