Gomma Photography Grant 2022
2021 ± II: Utopia Broadcasting
Photographer
Serena Dzenis
2021 ± II: Utopia Broadcasting
11 Jan, 2023
Runner up GNF: 'This work instantly struck a chord with us as it is as unique as it is expertly executed. The geometry of man-made structures, fragile, almost two dimensional, immersed in pastel lights become artificial looking paintings, trick the mind with perspective, size and blur the line between reality and fantasy. The calming surreality encapsulates the alien nature of human accomplishments on this merely borrowed planet.' Gomma«Do you think that the first space colony created by mankind will happen during your lifetime? Technology has advanced so quickly over the past few years. In the overall scheme of things, we’re just a flash in the pan and yet we’ve done so much to change our planet. Humankind is leaving a profound legacy on Earth, exploiting its resources to turn it into the sanctuary that we want it to be or perhaps farewelling a paradise that we’ve already lost. ‘2021 ± II: Utopia Broadcasting’ encapsulates everything about human construction, sheer curiosity, consumerism, as well as the wonders and dangers associated with science. The overall aim of this project is to utilise existing structures within the Icelandic landscape to transport the viewer’s imagination to another world that exists outside of time. In doing so, the hope is to invoke conversation around themes of futurism and dreams for a better life amidst the darker side of human ideals.» Serena Dzenis
About the photographer
Serena Dzenis
Serena Dzenis is a lens-based artist from Australia who resides in Iceland. She uses her work to tell stories about science, conservation, environmental issues and the future of mankind. Education 2013: Documentary Photography Short Course | RMIT University Selected Solo Exhibitions 2021 ± II: Utopia Broadcasting, Featured Exhibitor, Head On Photo Festival 2022 | Sydney, NSW, Australia (4th - 20th Nov 2022) Selected Group Exhibitions Exposure Photography Festival 2023 | Contemporary Calgary, Canada (Feb 2023) Do You Feel Like A Hurricane In An Eye? | International Photography Symposium NIDA. Meeting Photography 2022, Lithuania (12th - 18th Sep 2022) Sony World Photography Awards 2022, Winners & Shortlist Exhibition | Somerset House, London, UK (Upcoming, 13th Apr - 2nd May 2022) BBA Photography Prize 2021, Selected Shortlist Exhibition | Aletto Hotel Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, Germany (15th Dec - 31st Mar 2022) 2021 BBA Photography Prize 2021, Shortlist Exhibition | Kühlhaus Berlin, Germany (25th Nov - 12th Dec 2021) Awards / Recognition Honourable Mention, “Planet X Blues†| reFocus Awards 2022 1st Place Winner & Jury Top 5 (Selected by Péter Baki PhD, Director of the Hungarian Museum of Photography), “2021 ± II: Utopia Broadcasting†| Professional Architecture / Industrial, International Photography Awards 2022Laureate of the Projection Evening, “2021 ± II: Utopia Broadcasting†| International Photography Symposium NIDA 2022Commended, “2021 ± II: Utopia Broadcasting†| Siena Creative Photo Awards 2022 Aesthetica Editorial Award, “2021 ± II: Utopia Broadcasting†| Aesthetica Magazine, Belfast Photo Festival 2022 1st Place Winner, “2021 ± II: Utopia Broadcasting†| Professional Architecture, 8th Fine Art Photography Awards 2021-2022 Highly Commended, “2021 ± II: Utopia Broadcasting†| Belfast Photo Festival 2022 Shortlisted, “2021 ± II: Utopia Broadcasting†| Professional Competition, Architecture & Design, 2022 Sony World Photography Awards Shortlisted, “2021 ± II: Utopia Broadcasting†| BBA Photography Prize 2021, BBA Gallery
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