Scholarship – 2009
Photography (93310)
Examples of Candidate Work
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OUTSTANDING SCHOLARSHIP
This submission operates with a high degree of fluency throughout its entire three boards and
workbook. Its seamless approach has been created through a consistent use of sub-narratives to
unfold a simple fable (of the candidate’s own making), portrayed through a series of scenarios and
underpinned by concepts of fantasy and escapism. The candidate has demonstrated that they
understand how sub narratives function, and in turn contribute to a larger whole. There is a
complexity to this proposition, which demands us to ‘figure it out ourselves’ and apply our own
interpretations, moral insights and understanding to the various scenarios within the fable.
A real strength of this inquiry is the directorial approach that the candidate has taken, particularly
their management of actors, sets and articulation of complex theoretical ideas. The first board
quickly draws us into the dialogue introducing the narrative through two key works (events) that
set the scene and introduce us to the central figures; the policeman and the two fantasy characters.
The candidate has specifically selected symbols to represent key concepts, such as the policeman
“pertaining to the modernist, authoritative system that is to blame for the loss of fantasy”. This
sophisticated thinking has been matched with a parallel intellectual life in the workbook where the
level of criticality, analysis and reflective thinking is exemplary.
The portfolio and workbook are both extremely well edited. There is a purpose evident in the
selection of image, technical management and construction of carefully composed photographs.
Humour has been employed as an analytical tool for both picture making and to engage with the
bigger philosophical and socio-political issues. These have been communicated through astute
directorship on the part of the candidate, a filmic-type engagement shown through controlled
aspects such as costumes, site, characterisation, acting, expressions and gesture. This is matched
with technical aspects, such as the use of a nostalgic aesthetic, limited colour, hand colouring,
sequencing, image and text relationships, and construction.
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SCHOLARSHIP
This submission operates from a very interesting premise, “to explore the idea of how a physical
space even when demolished can present/embody the wairua tapu or spiritual history of its
function or original purpose”. The subject is Waimarino Hospital, Raetihi.
Immediately, we are drawn into the inquiry through a series of investigatory explorations in the
form of a site survey. From the beginning there is a real sense of control on the part of the
candidate. Each image is carefully framed and successfully communicates its intention. As a
viewer we approach the site as the candidate did his or herself. The employment of different types
of photographic devices; documentary, survey, constructed viewpoint, details, mirror image,
tessellations, multifaceted, kaleidoscopic multiple exposure, all facilitate a complex reading (way
of re-looking) at this site, reiterating in some sense the transition and effect of time on the
institution.
The candidate has explored photographic space. The photographs instil a sense of looking at the
scene with new eyes, while accommodating knowledge collected and traces left behind. Scale,
both literally and metaphorically is dealt with through a series of constructed images that stretch
space and provide a slice of the site and of time. With all these strategies employed the viewer is
constantly being brought back to the site.
It is pleasing to see such sophisticated editing occurring, not only in the selection of images for
portfolio, but also in the choice of methods and approaches utilised. Established practice is
appropriate and fully integrated. The workbook consistently tracks decisions made that clearly
demonstrate the focus of the enquiry. There isn’t a reliance on one mode of constructing images.
Methods are employed to match the progression of the practice, the ideas and concept; for
example, the disintegration of the image reflecting the dissolution of the hospital.
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