Picturing BluScray winners announced

A photograph of a local hip-hop identity won a $1000-first-prize in a contest that saw hundreds of people depicting Footscray’s link to the colour blue.

Ninety-five photographers from across the west and beyond entered 218 images in the ‘Picturing Bluescray competition, providing a range of interpretations on the ‘blue’ of Footscray.

Doncaster Est resident Wirut Khemnak won first prize for his expertly composed portrait of local Footscray personality and hip-hop master, Ocoro, draped with the Australian flag and immersed in a vibrant Footscray street scene.

Award-winning photographer at The Age, Simon O’Dwyer, selected finalists and announced the winners yesterday at an event attended by more than 200 people at VU at MetroWest.

All images will be on display at VU at MetroWest until 22 July as part of the Picturing BluScray exhibition aimed at showcasing the diversity and cultural vibrancy of Footscray.

Second prize was awarded to Brunswick resident Rosie Howell, who used a printing process known as cynotype to create a cyan-blue print of the Bunbury Street railway bridge that crosses the Maribyrnong River. The print expresses a blue of distance that is so vital to the character of Footscray.

Jaye Heraud of Yarraville received  third prize for her ephemeral depiction of the 16-metre-high statue of Mazu, the Heavenly Queen, on the banks of the Maribyrnong River. A moody blue sky and silhouetted foliage frames the golden icon, a spiritual presence that welcomes visitors to the west when travelling by train between the city and Footscray.

A range of other entries capture iconic vignettes, street scenes, shops, family life  and other subjects that contribute to the unique story of Footscray. 

This year Victoria University celebrates 100 years of education in Footscray with a blue theme. The colour blue is closely associated with the University’s identity and signifies transformation, hope, aspiration and the future.

Picturing BluScray is the first in a series of arts and cultural events that will be held in the remainder of 2016 to celebrate the University’s Centenary in collaboration with Maribyrnong City Council as part of Footscray University Town.

What:  Picturing BluScray photography exhibition
When:  Thursday 30 June – Friday 22 July
Where: VU at MetroWest, 138 Nicholson Street, Footscray.