The students' work evokes the unsettling and strange aspects of our society
Two University of Portsmouth final year photography students have been selected for the 2020 Platform Graduate Award.
Caitlin Holford and Katie Novell are among 28 artists, shortlisted from 11 universities by four network partners from the South East region, for their outstanding work.
The Platform Graduate Award, which began in 2012, was organised by Aspex, which works to support and help graduates build their portfolios and succeed in their careers. The award includes a £2,000 bursary and 12-months of mentoring support from a practicing artist.
Katie's work explores the hidden mysteries unveiled in ordinary stock imagery, which can be found in the University's Graduate Show showcase, while Caitlin’s project explores the parallels between the Greek myth of the sculptor Pygmalion, who fashioned a statue of a woman he grew to fall in love with, and the photography of a posing woman, objectified in her husband’s eyes.
Senior lecturer of the course, Roel Paredaens said: “The photography team is excited that Caitlin and Katie's work have been recognised for this award."
Both their practices sit at the contemporary edge of photography, confident in challenging perceptions, requiring the viewer to re-evaluate the role of photography.
The exhibitions will take place at each participating venue with a combination of online and physical exhibitions, from August 2020 to January 2021.
Access to visit the exhibition at Aspex is via the Vernon Gate entrance to Gunwharf Quays from Friday 18th September. Full Know Before You Go information and a Queue Jump Pass can be found on the Aspex website.