We met up with local Photographer Kita Lawrence to chat about her latest project #FlipsideCOVID19 and her entry in to the 2020 Brisbane Portrait Prize.
#FlipsideCOVID19 is one of Kita’s latest photographic projects documenting and sharing the experiences and perspectives of the Sunshine Coast community during the lock-down period of COVID19 and has captured genuine moments of history.
Kita said that when COVID hit, everything just stopped.
“I had four school age kids at home and I really wanted to keep my community connection going. I felt there were emotions evident around town and there was an assumption that people were ok and they weren’t.
I went for a surf one afternoon, and it became clear that I had to reapply the process of documenting the current situation. I wanted to encourage people to talk about their experiences and be open minded about the transition out of COVID.
We need to talk and share, more than ever. Re-connection takes time. Understanding and compassion, expressing our thoughts, concerns and hopes for the future will all help with bridging any recent divides.” she said.
Kita is a self taught and self funded photographer.
One of the first people she photographed earlier in 2018 for her #LocalVibe project was former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who she found easy going and relaxed. His photograph formed part of her exhibition and book “It Takes A Village to Raise a Vibe” where she photographed and documented the gratitude and connections of more than 90 people, all of whom had their own personal affiliations to Eumundi.
The Brisbane Portrait Prize which Kita is entering is all about celebrating Brisbane portrait artists and their sitters, while encouraging public engagement with the arts. Finalists will be displayed for four weeks.
There will be seven categories in the Brisbane Portrait Prize:
-
Brisbane Portrait Prize – Lord Mayor’s Prize
$50,000 (acquisitive) -
The Courier-Mail People’s Choice Award
$7,500 (non acquisitive) -
Accenture Digital Award
$10,000 (non acquisitive) -
Sylvia Jones Prize for Women Artists
$5,000 (non acquisitive) -
Performing Arts and Music Award
$7,500 (non acquisitive) -
Packers’ Prize
$5,000 (non acquisitive) -
Emerging Artists Awards
2 x $1,000 Oxlades Voucher (non acquisitive)
Kita is entering three of her “FlipsideCOVID19” photographs into the 2020 Brisbane Portrait Prize. One of her entries is of Alicia Sharples, Gallery Coordinator Cooroy Butter Factory.
The portrait was taken as the gallery was closed which is normally a bustling vibrant arts space.
Alicia said “These walls have never been this bare ever”.
