THE PLC SYDNEY STUDENTS’ PHOTOGRAPHIC PRIZE TURNS 15!

The inaugural PLC Sydney Students' Photographic Prize was held in April 2009, in conjunction with an exhibition of photography by the Australian master David Moore.

By Andrew Paxton Adelaide Perry Gallery Manager

Students were invited to respond to the theme My Visual Journey and Hannah Cooper (2013) from Year 8 was named Overall Winner for her work Copacabana.

Now in its fifteenth year and supported by PLC Sydney Parents & Friends' Association, the annual Students' Photographic prize has become one of the most anticipated and popular events on the Adelaide Perry Gallery calendar.

Offering as inspiration a different theme and guest artist each year, Miss Amelia Rand, Art & Design Captain said, “The Students' Photographic Prize creates a 'visual dialogue' within the College community. Students from Kindergarten to Year 12, and staff, exhibit alongside one another, in conjunction with the work of a professional artist. The accessible nature of photography as a form of expression for people of all ages and backgrounds is something that I find exciting. I always come away from the Finalists' Exhibition feeling in awe and inspired by the diverse work on display, demonstrating a new world of possibilities. The positive atmosphere of the opening event and the sense of achievement in seeing people interact with my work encourages me to keep creating.”

In 2023, students and staff were asked to respond to the theme Girls Rock! with multilayered explorations of female energy, movement, confidence and raw expression. The Gallery was thrilled to have the participation of Sydney's legendary rock music photographer Tony Mott. 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. It was on display with the student finalists' works from 28 April - 17 May.

Of the finalists, Adelaide Perry Gallery Curator, Ms Jen Gair said, “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.”

For this year’s overall winner, Ariella Humphreys of Year 11, the theme Girls Rock! immediately caught her attention and she was compelled to enter. “To portray through photography the power and strength girls have resonated with me and my art making practice,” she said. “Upon seeing Tony’s works I realised my ideas aligned perfectly, not only with the theme but with Tony’s portrayal of women as well. The mood and tone that Tony creates within his works encouraged me to push my creative practice, to create something as emotion evoking as his art. For me photography is so much more than just a snapshot. I aim to tell a story and inspire an emotional connection for the audience. I love capturing the essence of people and the everyday within my art and I’m so glad the theme of Girls Rock! allowed me to do so.”