Student photography debut at QVMAG

The Big Picture exhibition opening. City of Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson, student curator Armon Caster and QVMAG Educatuon Officer Evelyn Williams.png

 

Saturday welcomed the opening of a new student photography exhibition at the Art Gallery at Royal Park titled The Big Picture.

Developed by student Armon Caster, the exhibition is the result of a nation-wide competition open to all students within the Big Picture School network.

The concept behind Big Picture Schools was founded in the USA in 1995 by Dennis Littky and Elliot Washor who envisaged a radical change for a new and innovative student-centred educational system.

Big Picture Schools reached Australia in 2006 with over 40 campuses nation-wide, with 3 schools here in Tasmania.

Armon Caster enrolled into his year 9 studies at the Launceston Big Picture campus in 2022 as he was 'interested in the alternative way Big Picture provides education'.

Armon, along with guidance from his teacher Robert Lewandowski, created the idea for the digital photography competition as part of an assignment.

'I did have a strong interest in Computer Science and with the idea from my Advisor (teacher) Robert, the competition came to life,' Armon said.

'I originally thought it would be a short concept project, but it really grew, and I spent most of the year on it.'

The Big Picture student photography exhibition on display at the Queen Victoria Art Gallery at Royal Park.png

 

City of Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson opened the student celebrations, noting the exhibition was a great display of creativity.

'This exhibition is a brilliant showcase of the emerging photography talent across Tasmania and Australia,' Cr Gibson said.

'To be able to assist in bringing this school project to life through a community exhibition is a great outcome for both the students involved, and our community.

'I congratulate everyone involved in the development and delivery of this exhibition.'

Creative Arts and Cultural Services General Manager Shane Fitzgerald said it was great to assist in further developing this local student initiative.

'Our team have had a great time supporting the development of this exhibition with the Big Picture School,' Fitzgerald said.

'Welcoming this display to the Art Gallery will not only engage broader audiences with the photography competition, but also the student artists featured—which is a fantastic outcome.

'A major focus for our institution is to provide a platform for local emerging creatives; and this delivers on just that.'

The Big Picture is on display at the Art Gallery at Royal Park until 18 June 2023 with free entry.

For more information visit www.qvmag.tas.gov.au

Issued 21 March 2023. 

Back to top