The second annual Expressions Portrait Photography Competition and Exhibition took place in October 2016, hosting photographers from all over the country and even further afield.
The shortlisted entries were presented in an exhibition at the Backstage Theatre, and also published in a keepsake souvenir booklet.
John Rich’s winning entry
There could have been many worthy winners, but it was Boston-based photographer John Rich who took the top spot with his thought-provoking piece based on the subject of alopecia.
Though he wasn’t there in person to accept his award, John Rich expressed his delight in a directly by satellite link, which was broadcast at the exhibition.
“I just want to say thank you to everybody associated with putting on the exhibition. I’m grateful to have been included in the show and I’m ecstatic about having been chosen as a winner,” he said.
Male by Naomhan Joyce
Meanwhile, there were four highly commended photographers; Naomhan Joyce, Edit Elias, Aleksandra Klimczak and Michelle Hughes Walsh.
Speaking at the launch of the exhibition, Photographer and Expressions committee member Shelley Corcoran addressed the artists in attendance; “Both ourselves the Expressions committee and the judges feel honoured that you have laid bare your work for us to look at and show here today so we’re delighted you have done that.
Untitled by Edit Elias
“As you can see here the work is of such a high standard both conceptually and technically and we kind of feel that we know you a little bit from showing us your work and entering into our competition.”
Congratulating the artists, committee member Angelika Sowul added her delight at being part of the competition and exhibition; “I have a chance to see so much talent and the photographs we can admire today are so deep and creative.”
Speaking on behalf of Cathaoirleach of Longford Municipal District, Cllr Padraig Loughrey, Cllr Gerry Warnock said that all the artists exhibiting were winners in their own right, a statement echoed by the Minister of State for Regional Economic Development.
“I wouldn’t like to be the adjudicator. I wouldn’t actually like to have to pick the winner because one is as good as the other,” Minister Ring added.