‘On the Wall’ … (Eventually) … in Kuala Lumpur …
This one I really like …
Since 2009 The Kuala Lumpur International Photoawards (KLPA) has annually selected and recognised the best in photographic portraiture from around the World. The work chosen is invariably on the cutting edge and held in the highest regard.
So … to say the least … was undeniably very happy when this years results in the Open award were announced this week … nineteen (compelling and imaginative) works selected from artists in the USA (2), Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands (2), Poland (2), India (2), UK, Italy, Serbia, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Ireland, Spain, Russia … and one selected from Australia … little old me.
Back from it’s trip ‘into space’ in 2019 my ‘Aurukun – Generations’ image was selected in the twenty strong list and will now travel to Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur for a month or so ‘on the wall’ of a prestigious gallery … dates and venue to be arranged at the whims of Covid.
’Aurukun – Generations’ has now received a raft of recognitions in awards and exhibitions … and it very nearly didn’t happen at all. The image was one of dozens made in the troubled Cape York township of Aurukun for a news story. Another was chosen for publication with the story and this pic was quietly forgotten. It was several months later when I revisited the archive, came across it again and realised it’s potential.
It was one of three of my images ‘Sent Into Space’ (literally) by ‘Portrait of Humanity’ in 2019 and it has also been exhibited and recognised widely around the planet. (You can find some of those … here … here … here … here … here … here … here … and here .)
The work portrays Aurukun Wik elders Silas and Rebecca Wolmby with their great grand children Shalona and Keola. Sadly Silas has since left us. I did present his family with a large print of the Image when I made it back to the township last year.
It’s been eight years since I last made it to a Kuala Lumpur Finalist list in 2013 … coincidentally with another image made Aurukun way … a portrait of Aak Paul Ngantam stockman Perry Ward entitled ‘Roustabout’ (bottom below).
I travelled to Kuala Lumpur that year for the exhibition opening event. ‘Roustabout’ looked magnificent in a wonderful Petronas Towers gallery setting.
Very sadly (thanks covid), I’m pretty sure that this time around I won’t get to see ‘Aurukun – Generations’ on a KL gallery wall any time soon. (Still a buzz tho’ 😉 )
Images © Brian Cassey – top ‘Aurukun – Generations’, bottom ‘Roustabout’.
Leanne … You International Star You … !
Two pieces of ‘news’ that I’ve known about for a little while but had to stay ‘dumb’ about … Leanne and “Covid Vax & Ice Cream” has done it again … twice !
Firstly, my portrait of Leanne with her post Pfizer jab ice cream in Yarrabah (top below), has been selected as a Finalist in the prestigious planet wide ‘Kuala Lumpur International Portrait Prize’ (KLPA). The three selected as major prize winners of the award have now been announced, whilst all the thirty four Finalists will make up a KLPA exhibition at the GMBB gallery in Malaysia’s capital from the 16th September till the 2nd of October. It will be well worth a visit if you happen to be in KL … especially to see on the wall the beautiful winning entry by Australian Carole Mills Noronha entitled ‘Wonder’.
Very gratifying … and more so as KLPA has donated the proceeds from the award to be shared equally by Disaster Emergencies Committee and the United Nations Crisis Response to aid Ukrainian refugees.
It’s the third time I’ve been fortunate to be selected in the ‘Kuala Lumpur International Portrait Prize’. On the first occasion (pre covid in 2013) I travelled to Kuala Lumpur for the exhibition opening and presentation. My successful work that year was “Roustabout” … and it did look fabulous (and big) on the gallery wall (centre below).
Last year 2021 – despite being selected as a finalist for the second time with “Aurukun Generations” (also below) – a visit to KL was Covid problematic. The exhibition of portraits was delayed and delayed … until the works finally appeared on the exhibition gallery walls at the the GMBB creative community centre in Bukit Bintang, KL in January and February this year.
The works selected as this years Finalists may be found here … https://www.klphotoawards.com
Secondly … received the news that “Covid Vax & Ice Cream” also made the Shortlist selection (from a grand total of 4,482 works) in the annual National Portrait Gallery London ‘Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize’ … the second year in a row I’ve been shortlisted. Third time luckier ?
Earlier this year “Covid Vax & Ice Cream” was also selected in the World wide ‘Portrait of Humanity’ awards … and a Finalist in the ‘Percival Photographic Portrait Prize’ at the Perc Tucker Gallery in Townsville.
… and … there’s yet another exciting announcement for “Covid Vax & Ice Cream” coming up soon 😉 ! Thanks Leanne … !
Images © Brian Cassey