Finalists Announced – 2019 Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize

FINALISTS OF THE 2019 MORAN CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHIC PRIZE –  PHOTOS OF THE DARLING RIVER AND THE IMPACT OF THE DROUGHT ARE AMONGST THE FINALISTS

Image Credit: Matthew Abbott, Dust and sweat, 2019 finalist

The Moran Arts Foundation has revealed the 30 photographs that make up the finalists of the 2019 Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize (MCPP). A startling image of the devastation on the Darling River and other images showing the impact of the drought are amongst the photographs that are in line for the $50,000 Prize. The Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize (MCPP) is one of Australia’s most coveted photography prizes with a total prize fund of $100,000.

The 30 finalists have been selected from over 3000 entries by judges Cheryl Newman, Jon Jones and Stephen Dupont. Cheryl Newman is a respected international photographer and curator, Jon Jones is a celebrated international photojournalist and photo editor and Stephen Dupont is an Australian photographer, artist and filmmaker.

Cheryl Newman said: “Judging the Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize allows me to witness Australian life from an Australian perspective. This year’s selection process was demanding on many levels, with photographs that moved, amused and provoked whilst sharing many contemporary issues and photographic genres. The final selection is a tribute to both the country and its people but also the quality of photography being made.”

Stephen Dupont said: “Selecting the thirty finalist’s works was a punishing task as there were so many strong and surprising photographs. I think this year’s finalists are testament to capturing the poetic storytelling of contemporary Australian life and culture”. 

The Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize (MCPP) was established in 2007 by the Moran Arts Foundation and it awards and promotes Australian contemporary photography and excellence in all forms of still, photo-based artwork – including analogue and digital photography or staged and directorial photo-media work. Photographers are invited to tell a story of how they experience living in Australia; places, people and lifestyle that make our lovable country quintessentially Australian.

The winner of the 2019 MCPP will be announced on Tuesday 7 May. On the same day, the winners of the Student Categories will also be announced. This year’s student judges are Sally Mayman (Years K-6), Nicki Jackson (Years 7-8), Jim Filmer (Years 9-10) and Louise Whelan (Years 11-12).

The Moran Contemporary Photographic Exhibition opens on Saturday 4 May and runs until Sunday 2 June.  More information

A GALLERY OF OPEN FINALISTS CAN BE VIEWED HERE

A GALLERY OF STUDENT FINALISTS CAN BE VIEWED HERE

2019 Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize Open Finalists: