Circle work 1

BACKGROUND This work contributes to the contemporary photographic field in Australia. Each year the Bowness Prize presents a select number of works that are deemed to be representative of contemporary photography, thus addressing the ongoing scholarly debate on what is contemporary photography in Australia. The key outlets in which this debate is playing out are within galleries such as Centre for Contemporary Photography, Monash Gallery of and Australian Centre for Photography. Key thinkers who have influenced my conceptual explorations include Arnd Schnieder and Joan Fontcuberta. CONTRIBUTION The gap in knowledge that my work addresses is how photographic processes might be as representational and perceptible as the subject being photographed to chronicle communities in ways that align with their values. This artwork explores ways communities that value healing ways and are related to the natural environment come together to form a circle during workshops and activities. The circle as a symbol is whole, continuous and inclusive. The research question could be: How might communities that value healing ways, and are related to the natural environment, be chronicled through photography in an approach that aligns with their core values? The artwork created is a cut unique silver gelatin photogram. It was created in the black and white darkroom, with a circle cutter to cut the paper into a sculptural form. Directions for future research is currently being explored via a PhD at RMIT. SIGNIFICANCE Monash Gallery of Art is a leading Australian public gallery promoting excellence, access and education within photography. The gallery develops and preserves a nationally significant collection of Australian photographic practitioners, including Carl Jerrems, Tracey Moffatt, Bill Henson and David Moore. The 2013 judging panel included artist Brook Andrew, AGNSW Senior Curator of Photographs, Judy Annear and MGA Gallery Director Shaune Lakin.