Sydney, Window of the World, Shenzhen, China

The image was shortlisted for 2015 prize, judged by Dr Isobel Crombie, Assistant Director, National Gallery of Victoria. There were 128 entries and 40 works selected. Sydney, Window of the World, Shenzhen, China takes as its foundation the idea that Australian cultural identity is a mutually contingent relationship drawn from multiple narratives of immigration, tourism (including the Aussie 'backpacker' traveller) and settlement. Grounded in the traditions of landscape photography, analytical through social commentary, and slightly political, the work seeks to celebrate the diversity of culture that encapsulates being Australian. Central to the image is an awareness of how space is a constructed phenomenon, drawn from the experiences of both the viewer (photographer) and occupants (subjects). In this image, space is considered as the clash and contrast of Australia's most famous icons, miniaturised and dislocated into a Chinese theme park with other international spaces and places.