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JOCK STURGES Eva; le Porge, France, 2003 As a gesture of his support, longtime Shots subscriber,
Jock Sturges, has purchased three subscriptions for the photographers of his
favorite works following their publication in SHOTS 91. Many thanks to everyone
who submitted work for consideration in this issue! Jock’s selections are announced below. |
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FIRST PRIZE (Lifetime subscription): Ghada
O. Kunji for his two strong portraits that blend reality and metaphor
with exceptional force. He is at once an anthropologist and a poet. The
strength of these pictures is not accidental. He knows these people. SECOND PRIZE (Two-year subscription): Noah
Wilson for two surreal, evocative images which are both intellectually
and emotionally challenging as well as visually arresting. One is intrigued
to see more and the sparking of that appetite is a lovely thing. THIRD PRIZE (One-year subscription) was
difficult! I was (and remain) torn between the work of Valery Katsuba whose
portraits have beautiful scale, depth and pace and are, as well,
quintessentially Russian; John Forney whose subtle and exquisitely printed
image is wonderfully well seen and Polly Chandler whose carousel works so
well as metaphor for a sweet life lived well by the image’s lovely subject
whose downcast eyes and simple posture leave us reflecting along with her. Polly Chandler wins finally because of the
lovely chord struck by the carousel detail and the happenstance of aspects of
its architecture being repeated in the Polaroid's margins. Beyond this, I say that there was not a single image
that did not merit serious respect and consideration. Everyone included
should feel justifiable pride in the accomplishment of their work. I had a
hell of a time making up my mind. But, please, everyone, know this: I did not
pick the best pictures. I picked the ones that at this moment in my life I
liked the best. There is an important difference — and one that is always
there, regardless of the purported sagacity of whatever soul might be making
choices. I am humble in the cathedral of your art. The risk you take in
putting forth your work is such a generous gift. Thank you. Jock Sturges, Seattle, March 2, 2006 |
PURCHASE A COPY OF SHOTS 91 OR A SUBSCRIPTION TO SHOTS