Images of school boys in an emotional embrace, commuters on Sydney’s new metro and a child’s colourful pet, have taken top honours in two of the country’s most respected photography competitions.
The winners of the 2019 Australian Life and Little Sydney Lives photography prizes were announced at the launch of the exhibitions in Hyde Park.
Dominic Lorrimer from Darlington won the $10,000 Australian Life photography prize for his work Haka. Captured at Lakemba mosque following the Christchurch massacre, the image shows students from Punchbowl High School embracing in a moment of reflection before performing the Haka outside the mosque.
Competition judges, Sydney Morning Herald managing photo editor Mags King, artist Dennis Golding and artist, academic and Director of Photography at University of Technology Sydney, Cherine Fahd, selected Dominic’s image as the winner from 28 finalists from 1,400 entrants.
The judges described Dominic’s image as a surprising and powerful moment that has been beautifully captured.
“This is an image of a moment that is poignant to our time,” Mags said.
It is a powerful image of unity during a distinct time in Australia and New Zealand’s history.
“Dominic has photographed the scene from the perspective of being in the inner circle – beautifully composed and framed,” added Cherine.
“Emotional too, with the Lakemba mosque in the background, the image poses alternatives for viewing what is a politicised community.”
Nathan Lo from Toongabbie was the winner in the 3–7 years age category of Little Sydney Lives for his shot Zoom, of his pet betta fish.
Jaime Clarke from Kellyville was the winner in the 8–11 years age category for her shot Sydney’s Shiny Metro Northwest of commuters on the new Metro Northwest.
Nathan and Jaime’s images were selected as winners from 20 finalists from a record 356 submissions. Each winner picked up a new digital camera and photography accessories worth $500.
All 28 Australian Life finalist images are on exhibition along the St James walkway of Hyde Park. The 20 Little Sydney Lives finalist images are on exhibition in Sandringham Gardens, Hyde Park North – both exhibitions run until 13 October.
Art & About is the City of Sydney’s year-round program of events and temporary art projects in unusual spaces throughout the city.
Published 20 September 2019, updated 4 October 2019
