The photographic competition, Images of Isolation, has captured the imaginations of people across Kingborough.
The photographs have provided a glimpse into the lives and experiences of residents during the Coronavirus lockdown. Photographers from as young as three took part, with over 150 entries in total in the three age categories: child, teenager, and adult.
The judges were Councillors Sue Bastone and Amanda Midgley, both of whom found it a challenge to select the winners.
“An amazing number of high-quality photographs were entered into our photography competition making the selection of a winner in each category very difficult,” said Cr Bastone.
“The variety of isolation images were astonishing, and provided a wonderful record of a period of time like no other in our lives.
“We thank everyone who took the time to share their experiences with us.”
Cr Amanda Midgley found the task a thought-provoking experience.
“The winners did a wonderful job portraying the theme of isolation,” she said, “I found the black and white photo of the online conversation particularly moving.
“It surely is a time we will never forget as we connected with our loved ones from a distance.”
The winner of the child category was Isla Werkman, who is 11 years old, with the photo ‘This dog is way down.’ She said about her photo “I really love being around people being active. Doing exercise by myself doesn’t suit me at all and this photo shows how I feel doing yoga in the lounge. I am trying to make the best of the situation though!”
Fifteen-year-old Cole Parrant took the photo ‘Behind Iron Bars’ which won the teenager category. It is a self-portrait and he felt the setting was appropriate given recent events. “I feel the natural backdrop provided a good metaphor representing the world we are somewhat limited from continuing to live in,” he explained.
‘Hello Grandma’ is the black and white photo referred to by Cr Midgley and was taken by Amy Groves-Bosworth in the adult category. She said “My children are very lucky to still have their Great-Grandparents, who they love visiting regularly.
“When we went into isolation, we were loss at how we would stay in face-to-face contact. But at 88 Grandma Bernadette Connor decided to embrace technology and got herself a tablet, and learnt how to video chat.
“Although it was trial and error to start with, Grandma has now mastered the art of a video call and afternoon chats with the kids are back on again!”
The winners have each won a voucher, which have been designed to support local businesses in Kingborough.
A judges’ commendation award was awarded to Isabel Cooper, aged 14 for her submission ‘Missing my family and friends’. Isabel’s description of her photo simply said “Missing my family friends and not being able to hug them.”
Local photographer Jose Navarro shortlisted the categories for the judges and was also impressed by the overall quality of the images.
Council will be planning an exhibition featuring all photographs later in the year. All photographs are available to view online on Council’s Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/kingboroughtas/albums/.
The Council will be using some of the photographs in its corporate publications, on the website and on social media, with photographers receiving credit for their art. “This is a great opportunity to showcase the talent in Kingborough across Council’s publications,” said the Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Dean Winter.
“Using the images that our residents have taken during the pandemic in our publications is a perfect way to demonstrate that the community is at the heart of everything we do.”