‘Welcome Home’ wins Sydney Life Photography Prize

6 October 2007

Garry Trinh has won the sixth annual Sydney Life Photography Prize worth $10,000, with 'Welcome Home', an image representing fortified homes in western Sydney that depict the drastic effects of national and global events on the psyche of Sydney communities.

Trinh was awarded the prize at last night's launch of Art & About. He beat a pool of 366 emerging and professional photographers.

Twenty-six finalist images expressing the landscape, community and eccentricities of Sydney Life have been enlarged to "bed sheet" size and are on exhibition along the beautiful grand central walkway of Hyde Park North until October 21.

The winner was decided by a distinguished panel of judges - Sandy Edwards (Curator, Sydney Life), Christine Morrow (Curator, MCA) and Bec Dean (Curator, Australian Centre for Photography).

Sandy Edwards described Garry Trinh's 'Welcome Home' as similar in its composition to a "real estate brochure":

"The image reminds us that real estate is of high value in Sydney, yet this family home in Western Sydney is uninviting."

"The comfort of the home in Garry's image is barricaded and insulated for protection from possible present events."

Ms Edwards continued, "Something has changed in suburban life. It seems that it is no longer about a kind of uniformity, or does it necessarily represent security."

"The current situation is one of unease, vulnerability and uncertainty."

"This suburban home, which used to embrace a cultural diversity, is now defensive and closed off."

"Furthermore, myself and the fellow judges, felt that the impact of APEC on our psyche - one of defensive 'bunkering down' - is reflected in Garry's image and influenced our choice."

"Congratulations to Garry and all the finalists," concluded Ms Edwards.

City of Sydney and the judges are now calling on Sydneysiders to have their say on the Sydney Life photography. New this year to Art & About is the People's Choice Award. The winner will receive $3000 worth of FUJIFILM Australia products of their choice. Visitors to the exhibition will be able vote at the information booth in Hyde Park, and go into the draw to win a camera worth $500.

Furthermore, the City is providing two free curatorial tours with Ms Edwards and Sydney Life finalists on Saturday 13 and 20 October. Tours start at 1pm. To book a place, phone 02 9265 9917.

Sydney Life finalist images include: Elvis look-a-likes at the races, a Maroubra jelly wrestling pit, an elderly man watching as the ANZAC Day parade streams past, a steamy summer day on Manly beach, and a young family enjoying the warmth of a fire in their Turella backyard.

Sydney Life images and the full Art & About program can be viewed online at www.artandabout.com.au

For more information, interviews, or photos, contact Bernadette Rose on 9265 9553 or 0409 045 425.

Sydney Life is proudly sponsored by Major Sponsor AMP Capital Investors and Media Partner The Sydney Morning Herald. The People's Choice Award is sponsored by FUJIFILM Australia.

Related Resources

Sydney Life 2007 winning image
Garry Trinh
'Welcome Home'

For high res versions please contact:
Bernadette Rose on 9265 9553 or 0409 045 425