Moments in Rome awarded

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Queensland College of Art student Lisa Kurtz has been presented with the 2015 Australian Institute of Professional Photography Queensland Student Photographer of the Year Award.

The Bachelor of Photography student’s winning images captured moments in Rome, a place she says “where I feel most at home in Italy”.

“I love Rome and I photograph this monument every time I visit,” she says, speaking of one of her winning images.

“This is the Res gestae (the text of Emperor Augustus’ will), on the wall outside the museum housing the Ara Pacis and I find this wall wonderful to stand in front of and just wait for things to happen.

“I’ve shot here at all different times of the day and it always offers something,” she says.

Lisa first visited Italy, camera in hand, twenty years ago. She explains that with a passion for art and history, Italy took her heart.

One of Lisa's winning photos of the Res gestae (the text of Emperor Augustus’ will), on the wall outside the museum housing the Ara Pacis in Rome.
One of Lisa’s winning photos of the Res gestae on the wall outside the museum housing the Ara Pacis in Rome.

Although an avid and passionate photographer for many years,Lisa says before undertaking her photography degree she still felt as though her work was“missing something — a depth or authenticity”.

“I had been doing my own personal study of photography but knew my work could not progress without the guidance and support of a structured academic course,” she explains.

“I chose the QCA based not only on the excellent reputation it has in industry but the variety of subjects and the specialisations offered in the Photography Department.

“What I love about the course is the combination of intellectual vigour and practical technical skills, and the nurturing environment created by the teaching and support staff.

“Lecturers and tutors encourage us to be brave, take risks, experiment, make mistakes, and probe the edges of genre and visual language.”

Lisa, who was presented with anAcademic Award for Excellence in 2014, says assignments are as much about the mistakes and learnings, as they are about the finished product.

“I love the freedom we have in much of our assignment work to explore our own interests,” she continues.

Following graduation, Lisa says she would like to continue on to post-graduate studies.

“I am passionate about the relationship between photo, memory and nostalgia, and would like to pursue practice and research in this area.”

Fellow QCA photography student William Bullimore also entered this year’s AIPP Awards and received a Silver with Distinction. The AIPP is Australia’s peak body representing professional image makers.

Media Contact: Lauren Marino, 0418 799 544, [email protected]

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