Girls Rock! an exhibition of rock music photography by Sydney’s legendary Tony Mott opened in conjunction with the awards presentations for this year’s PLC Sydney Students’ Photographic Prize on Thursday 27 April. The Gallery was thrilled to have photographer and close friend of Tony Mott, Dianne Brooks in attendance as guest speaker.
Girls Rock ! an exhibition of rock music photography
Overall winner of the 2023 Photographic Prize, Ariella Humphreys, Year 11, for her photograph called 'Cable ties'.
This year, students from PK to Year 12 were asked to respond to the theme ‘Girls Rock’ with multilayered explorations of female energy, movement, confidence and raw expression. The students worked with focus and determination to present a wide landscape of images that reflected their technical considerations and conceptual intent. It was incredibly powerful to have these images displayed in conversation with Tony Mott's work in our wonderful gallery space. The suite of Tony Mott’s images represented, over a thirty-year period, the formidable presence and dynamism of female performers both on and off the stage.
Ms Jen Gair, curator, Ariella Humphreys, Amelia Rand, Art & Design Captain, and Dianne Brooks
To begin the awards presentations, Art & Design Captain Amelia Rand performed an Acknowledgement of Country. Gallery Curator, Ms Jen Gair, then introduced guest speaker Dianne Brooks, photographer, who congratulated the girls on their achievements. She spoke about the title of the exhibition,
Girls Rock!, the influence of women in music, historically, and the contribution women and girls make in contemporary society, more broadly. She commended the girls for inhabiting the theme as artists, as well as seeking it in, and drawing it out of, their subjects.
Ms Brooks, with Dr Paul Burgis, then presented the awards. 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 2, Dance Like no-one is watching
- Years 3 to Year 6: Luciana Evans, Year 6, Playing on Water
- Years 7 & 8: Imogen Chee, Year 8, Behind the Yellow Line
- Years 9 &10: Isabel Perry, Year 10, Walking in Red
- Years 11 & 12: Lulu Bentley, Year 11, Scream it Title
- Transition: Annalise Partington, Year 11, Shine Bright
- The Overall Winner was then announced: Ariella Humphreys, Year 11, for her photograph 'Cable ties'.
Of the image Ariella wrote, ‘ Connected together, this photograph displays the powerful bond formed between these women. The mood depicts a soulful energy and good conversation through the field of darker shapes. Tied together through art, music, and a guitar cable. ’
Ariella received a $200 art supplies voucher, generously supported by PLC Sydney Parents & Friends’ Association. Congratulations, Ariella!