Lord Mayor Clover Moore last night announced the winners of this year’s Australian Life and Little Sydney Lives photography prizes and launched the exhibitions in Hyde Park.
Jon Lewis from Wombeyan Caves, in the NSW Southern Highlands, won the prestigious $10,000 Australian Life photography prize.
Jon’s image was one of 22 finalist images selected from around 1,300 submissions by judges Liane Rossler, Louise Whelan and Daniel Mudie-Cunningham.
Titled Barber Shop, the judges described the image as “engaging and strong, drawing the viewer into the scene, forging a strong connection between the photograph and the viewer.”
Competition Judge Liane Rossler said: “There were so many strong and beautiful images. We found Jon’s photograph so welcoming and inclusive, capturing the history of an Aussie barbershop with our evolving culture and everyday life.”
Seven year old Maximus Betancurt-Thornton from Earlwood took out honours in the 3–7 years age category of Little Sydney Lives for his shot, Sunday Life, while Issak Woodland, 11, from Berala won first prize in the 8–11 years age category for his image, Michael’s House.
The Little Sydney Lives winners – selected from more than 240 submissions – took home a new camera and accessories worth $500.
The 22 Australian Life finalist images are on exhibition in large-scale format along the St James walkway of Hyde Park North. The 20 Little Sydney Lives finalist images are on exhibition in Sandringham Gardens, Hyde Park North, until 9 October.
“What began 14 years ago as the Sydney Life exhibition expanded nationally in 2014, giving greater scope for an amazing array of photographic talent. In 2010, we introduced Little Sydney Lives to encourage the talents of younger photographers,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The exhibitions in Hyde Park are now a cornerstone of our year-round Art & About Sydney program.
“Along with our City Art projects, these programs help keep our public spaces active throughout the year – they keep people engaged and remind us that art can, and should, be part of our everyday experience of the city, not confined to the gallery walls.”
The City’s Art & About program is an ongoing program of events and celebration of art in unconventional spaces.
The City is committed to creating a year-round program of art, including major projects, intimate exchanges and thought-provoking exhibitions in unusual spaces throughout the city.
For more information, contact City of Sydney Senior Publicist, Elaine Kelly on 0477 362 550 or ekelly@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Matt Levinson. Phone 0499 319 385 or email mlevinson@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au