Wyndham Vale resident Jade Jones has won Wyndham council’s Way Out West photo competition, earning herself $500 in prize money.
The 21-year-old photography student said the win was her first recognised award for her photography work, and an honour to receive.
“There was so much talent from all the submissions, I was so grateful that that my work had been selected as the grand prize,” she said.
“Photography gives me the creative freedom to express my ideas and play with elements such as lighting and composition to enhance my subjects.”
Jones said her personal work centres around black identity and culture, and explores issues the community faces and overcomes.
“My winning image ‘Into the Void’ is apart of my photographic series ‘White World’ which explores the impact of European beauty standards on black women of colour,” she said.
“This image represents the ongoing struggle for black women to fit societal standards, often feeling lost and confused. It was a difficult image to photograph with all of the technical elements however I think it presents itself beautifully with a meaningful story behind the piece.
“I hope to express these experiences authentically and present beautiful images of my community while creating controversial images that spark conversation.”
As an emerging artist, Jones seeks to use her platform to educate others and provide positive representation of the black community.
“I hope I am able to inspire other young black youth to pursue their creative passions,” she said.
