TOPSHOTS catalogue

EDUCATION

EDUCATION

mga.org.au/education

TOP SHOTS

The best still-based photomedia work produced by the classes of 2012!

• VCE ART • VCE MEDIA • VCE STUDIO ARTS • IB VISUAL ARTS

The selected works appear in this catalogue in alphabetical order and include statements written by the artists. All artworks copyright Š 2012 the artists.

EDUCATION

TOP SHOTS

The following students have been selected for the TOPSHOTS finalist’s exhibition to be held at Monash Gallery of Art in 2013. For more details visit mga.org.au/education

Melbourne Girls Grammar School The Knox School Methodist Ladies’ College Huntingtower School St Leonards College

NINA BURNETT JAMES BURNS EMILY BURTON MICHELLE CLARKE OLIVIA GIBSON

Monbulk College Melbourne Rudolf Steiner School Upwey High School Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak Upwey High School Melbourne Rudolf Steiner School Melbourne Girls Grammar School Glen Waverley Secondary College

ZOE GOLDBERG CALLISHA GREGG-ROWAN ELIZA HILL GINNY HODGKINSON ANDREJS JAUDZEMS CARMEN MEADE KATHERINE MICHELMORE LAUREN MORGAN

Monbulk College Avila College Balwyn High School Beaconhills College, Pakenham Campus Highvale Secondary College Oxley Christian College St Leonards College Wheelers Hill Secondary College Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College Toorak College Mount Eliza St Leonards College Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak

BELINDA NEILSON ALAINA NELSON LIAM O’BREE JADE PEARSON SARAH RAMSDEN RENÉE ROBINSON LUCY SIMPSON CLAIRE SKERMAN DANIELLE VENTURA BETHANY WALRAVENS TESS WARDROP SARAH WHITE

EDUCATION

All around us there is colour. Representing and symbolising different meanings and messages to people, it evokes emotions and also expresses them. While some people may be attracted to the fiery tones of red, others may be attracted to the cool and docile tones of blue. The Invasion explores the interactions and relationships that colour and human beings share. Inspired by the Indian Holi festival and tribal dance, I wanted to capture images that contained a sense of fun and controlled chaos, whilst being aesthetically pleasing and interesting to the viewer.

TOP SHOTS

Nina BURNETT The surrender from the series The invasion 2012 inkjet print 35.0 x 48.5cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Melbourne Girls Grammar School 5

EDUCATION

Fantasy: the faculty or activity of imagining things that are impossible or improbable.

TOP SHOTS

James BURNS Fantasy tree 2012 ink-jet print 100x70cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and The Knox School 7

EDUCATION

In this series I took three images of close ups of the human form and developed them into metal plates. The images on the metal plates were then printed onto paper by applying pressure. I hoped to represent the human figure in these images as somewhat abrupt and unrealistic. The definition of the distinct bones was emphasised by using a model who struggles with an eating disorder. The title of the series Pressure is used to relate to both the method in which the etchings were made and the effects that the media has on today’s generation.

TOP SHOTS

Emily BURTON three images from the series Pressure 2012 3 intaglio prints 16x22.5cm each VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Methodist Ladies College 9

EDUCATION

‘Imaginative landscape’ is a visual metaphor of how a physical place or area can influence an individual’s growth. The memories and experiences people accumulate from different places essentially builds their knowledge of themselves and the world. Certain environments can be of great support or bring up unwanted memories. Therefore, everyone’s perception of a landscape is defined by their own personal experiences; meaning something different to everyone. By projecting a landscape onto the person, it causes them to become the canvas, displaying the strong connection they have with that place. There are three different landscapes present contrasting between industrial, man made and natural which demonstrates the range of environments we inhabit.

TOP SHOTS

Michelle CLARKE three images from the series Imaginative Landscape 2012 3 ink-jet prints 20.3x25.4cm each VCE Art 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Huntingtower School 11

This photograph is the result of experimentation with photography independent of Photoshop. Digital editing was used later to create the layered effect, but the actual manipulation of each layer was created through the use of multiple lenses.

EDUCATION

The fluidity and fragility of this image created by the dusk light and convex lens make it seem as through it is a jewel, and the framing and sense of movement resemble the view through a kaleidoscope.

TOP SHOTS

Olivia GIBSON Kaleidoscope I from the series Kaleidoscope 2012 ink-jet print 56x75cm each IB Visual Arts HL reproduction courtesy of the artist and St. Leonards College 13

EDUCATION

When the angels walk with the lonely ones in the cold rain to rescue you This line from The Temper Trap’s song Fader inspired my narrative as I explored the meaning behind saviours. The experimentation with light allowing me to create a soft, warm, yet eerie atmosphere within my photographs. Constructing the portraits using torches, lanterns and candles to light my scenes, the stand-alone dresses evoke a ghost-like effect in contrast to the femininity and fragility emphasised by the detailing in the material.

Presenting my photographs as a sequence allowed me to broaden my interpretation by including multiple aspects of the song words rather than simply a single still portrait, and the construction of my scenes was inspired by Vogue photographer Tim Walker.

TOP SHOTS

Zoe GOLDBERG Fader from the series Fader 2012 eight ink-jet prints, folded card, glue 21x126cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Monbulk College 15

Through the slightly ethereal quality of Renascence I have sought to explore the enhanced experience achieved through embracing the wilder instincts of our being. As the more complex sides of the journey melt away and are replaced by clarity and purity of mind, it allows one to live in the exultation of the moment, heightening the sense of joy experienced through connecting deeply to the natural world.

EDUCATION

As a way of exploring the confusion and negative messages enforced upon us by culture, religion, identity and modern materialistic, I have used four segmentations to make up this print, thus representing the union of these conflicting elements.

TOP SHOTS

Callisha GREGG-ROWAN Renascence 2012 four gelatin silver prints 100x122cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Melbourne Rudolf Steiner School 17

EDUCATION

My artworks represent dying tribal culture. I wanted my photos to represent the pain and vulnerability in cultural existence due to the corruption of modern society. Through the use of a barren lifeless landscape, digital editing, authentic face paint, body clay, costume etc I was able to re-contextualise my modern subjects and express that sense of tradition, and earthly connection before capturing that idea of vulnerability and helplessness through digital photography.

TOP SHOTS

Eliza HILL Culture from the series Culture 2012 ink-jet print 29.7x42cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Upwey High School 19

EDUCATION

In this image, I aimed to create balance in the composition to create a calm, aesthetically soothing scene with a sense of the whimsical. Using a telescopic lens, I was able to focus on the semi-abstracted shapes of the silhouetted paraglider against the horizontal lines of the background, thus creating this balance. The soft tones of the background set the mood of the scene so the viewer may sense the tranquility of the activity and the solitude felt by the paraglider.

TOP SHOTS

Ginny HODGKINSON Paraglider 2012 ink-jet print 100x100cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak 21

EDUCATION

In exploring my theme of ‘light and movement’ I decided to carry out some long exposures of moving water. This particular photo was taken along the Great Ocean Road at early dawn. The long exposure of the waves advancing and receding has created a surreal effect. This has combined with gentle natural lighting to produce a highly mystical atmosphere and a strong sense of timelessness.

TOP SHOTS

Andrejs JAUDZEMS Great Ocean Road from the series Seascapes 2012 ink-jet print 44x54cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Upwey High School 23

In these images I wanted to show both the inner fragility and vulnerability of the human structure as well as the outer strength humans obtain. I purposefully selected a strong male figure to capture this outer strength.

EDUCATION

I have projected an image of a skeleton onto the model to get this effect. I chose to shoot close-ups of sections of the body to allow for detail and depth.

TOP SHOTS

Carmen MEADE Two human forms 2012 gelatin silver print 39x57cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Melbourne Rudolf Steiner School 25

As Mark Twang the American Author and humourist said ‘clothes maketh the man’. Are we defined by our clothing? Does our clothing reflect who we are and how we are perceived?

Through these works I offer a reflective comment on the contemplative examination of human relationships and how we perceive each other. I seek to make the unobvious obvious. By manipulating the subjects clothing we see a new identity emerge. In the paired works this process reveals the ‘silent’ or less obvious connection between the subjects: the familial connections between the subjects become apparent.

EDUCATION

These subjects where deliberately selected to juxtapose their physical differences, which become blurred when presented in the paradox created by the series. The pairing reveals the paradox, and we see similarities between the subjects emerge when their clothes are exchanged. I have also used a striking aesthetic of mirrored repetition to dramatically represent and reinforce my conceptual ideas of reflections. I have selected materials which create a radiant effect rather than a purely mirrored effect which would confuse and distract the viewer.

TOP SHOTS

Katherine MICHELMORE Harry and Nan from the series Reflections 2012 ink-jet print on transparency, mounted on aluminium 30x59.4cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Melbourne Girls Grammar School 27

In my exploration of motion I explored water and tried to capture the beauty that water drips create. Water is the most natural element we have and without we can not survive.

It keeps our life cycle in ‘motion’. I wanted to capture the single moment that is too quick for the human eye. The water drip as it is falling.

EDUCATION

I came up with three images that have vibrant colours and I found captured the exact idea I wanted to represent, the water is in its perfect sphere shapes, and the simplicity of it makes it serene and beautiful. I added the line over the images to demonstrate unity and how it is on a constant cycle as the line is one continuous line. It was to show how elements link together to keep this world alive.

TOP SHOTS

Lauren MORGAN from the series Photo and line 2012 3 ink-jet prints, white pen 23.5x43.4cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Glen Waverley Secondary College 29

EDUCATION

Emotions fluctuate as readily as the breeze. Contentment can be broken in a second, anger sparked in moments. Tranquility is fragile.

TOP SHOTS

Belinda NEILSON Wayward breeze 2012 ink-jet print, pencil 31.5x38cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Monbulk College 31

EDUCATION

One warm day at a Rockhamption skate-park I was watching skateboarders curving up the side of a half-pipe and jumping over a bin. As I looked behind him, the beautiful clear blue sky and the bright sun shining captured me. From that moment I knew these elements combined would make a great photograph. As you can see because the sun was shining behind him, it’s created a silhouette of the skateboarder in one of my favourite stances. This moment sends a cool and calm vibe to the viewer, and a sense of freedom as he flies in the sky all by himself.

TOP SHOTS

Alaina NELSON Untitled #3 2012 thermal dye transfer print 21x29.7cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Avila College 33

EDUCATION

Image one of four in the Untitled series. Inspired by Australian photographer Bill Henson, this series encapsulates the essence of the teenager. The line designs symbolic of the turmoil and disparity of youth. The low lighting used to draw the eye in and the cool blue tones adds to the mood I intended to create. The line design was projected onto the model, this gives the effect of it being ‘burnt’ onto the body.

TOP SHOTS

Liam O’BREE Untitled #1 from the series Untitled 2012 inkjet print 47x64.5cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Balwyn High School 35

EDUCATION

In this image I wanted to capture the idea of distortion that someone, ie. me in this case, felt when suffering from depression. The distortion that my brain experienced when viewing the world, nothing seemed clear and normal but confusing and blurring. Depression leaves you distorted that you don’t know what to do, who you are and what is normal hence this two black and white gelatin silver photographs being placed together and layered, create the sense of distortion that I felt. This artwork highlights the two different personalities I felt at once, the running thoughts and emotions and just the view of the world I had.

TOP SHOTS

Jade PEARSON Depression-2 from the series Depression 2012 two gelatin silver prints, glue, board 29.7x21cm VCE Art 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Beaconhills College, Pakenham Campus 37

EDUCATION

This photograph is from a series of ten images that, when placed together, show a development that occurs through time and also the necessities that stay the same.

This photo was carefully designed to represent the year 1910, having the model in a maid’s costume and using particular props such as the bed pan and old photographs.

I manipulated the colours on Photoshop to make them dull and have minimal vibrance to enforce the age of the picture.

TOP SHOTS

Sarah RAMSDEN 1910 2012 inkjet print 29x41cm VCE Media 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Highvale Secondary College 39

EDUCATION

My work explores my family history, focusing on generational connections with various members, specifically making connections with my past and members who have, sadly, passed away. Treasure Trove...? is a diptych series captured within my grandfather’s (Pa’s), garage. These photographs are captured within my Pa’s garage as it’s the last physical representation of him and a reminder of lost memories. The garage enables our family to still engage with him within ‘his world’ although he isn’t physically there.

TOP SHOTS

RenĂŠe ROBINSON Treasure Trove...? from the series Lineage 2012 two ink-jet prints on coffee-stained calico, wire, pegs 113x185cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Oxley Christian College 41

EDUCATION

This picture came from the combining of a picture of rhubarb leaves and a picture of a heart I took. The theme I was exploring when making this work was ‘internal systems’. I aimed to produce different pieces with a confronting subject matter however enabling this subject matter to be transformed into art and into something that is pleasing to look at. What I enjoy most about this picture is the combination of textures overlapping each other.

TOP SHOTS

Lucy SIMPSON Autumn heart 2012 ink-jet print 29.7x42cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and St. Leonards College 43

The intimacy between horse and rider is often noticed but rarely understood. Equus Caballus is a series that explores the curious shapes of the horse and demonstrates the absolute trust between the photographer (myself ) and my own horse - Falcon, a 4 year old Clydesdale X standing at 16.2 hands high.

This image, from a series of six photographs, was captured while sitting underneath my horse in order to present original silhouettes and angles. The photograph was enhanced using Photoshop to create the striking contrast between the horse’s profile and the stark, white background.

EDUCATION

Equus Caballus illustrates that with passion, consistant hard work and dedication, anything is possible; including entrusting your life to an unpredictable animal.

TOP SHOTS

Editor’s note: 16.2 hands is approximately 167.6cm measured from the ground to its ‘withers’ (where the horse’s neck meets its back).

Claire SKERMAN Untitled from the series Equus Callabus 2012 ink-jet print 42x29.7cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Wheelers Hill Secondary College 45

EDUCATION

As humans, our lives can become extremely stressful. During these times, we may find ourselves escaping to an environment which is comforting, relaxing and freeing of the everyday stressors we may face. From this, I was inspired to produce a series of photographs focusing on various environments of comfort for a wide range of people in my own life.

TOP SHOTS

Danielle VENTURA Water from the series The comfort 2012 ink-jet print 29.7x21cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College 47

EDUCATION

Vieillissement explores the ways in which we age and develop over the course of time.

When creating this image I wanted to portray the physical change that is experienced as we grow and the things that define us at different ages, from pimples whilst a teenager or grey hair as an old woman. Through this piece I am also delving slightly into the way our past motivates and can influence our future selves and how some people will take more heed of their past ventures and experiences to become who they are in modern day.

TOP SHOTS

Bethany WALRAVENS Vieillissement (Aging) 2012 ink-jet print 102x72cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Toorak College Mount Eliza 49

EDUCATION

Throughout the year, I explored the role of culture and heritage on identity. I was inspired by the ABC documentary Immigration Nation and my theory of knowledge essay ‘Can we have beliefs or knowledge which are independent of our culture?’. This digital image of my great grandmother was one of the first works I did. The sense of curiosity and mystery evoked by the dark shades expresses the uncertainty of one’s past and heritage. In contrast I aimed to create a strong connection with the viewer and my great grandmother’s eyes.

TOP SHOTS

Tess WARDROP Les yeux 2012 ink-jet print 75x56cm IB Visual Arts HL reproduction courtesy of the artist and St. Leonards College 51

EDUCATION

This artwork represents the Yarra River, a landscape in which reflects the world I live in.

In constructing this image I explored different ways in which capture this environment in a highly creative and innovative way. As a result I have displayed it as a circular panorama.

TOP SHOTS

Sarah WHITE The Yarra River from the series My surrounding world 2012 ink-jet print 52x52cm VCE Studio Arts 3&4 reproduction courtesy of the artist and Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak 53

EDUCATION

TOP SHOTS

Š 2012 Monash Gallery of Art and artists

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