Best of Show: Genevieve Marshall
Honorable Mentions: Andrew Hida and Renée Stevens

Light Work is pleased to announce the award recipients for the 2011 Light Work Student Invitational exhibition: Genevieve Marshall, Best of Show; and Honorable Mention award recipients Andrew Hida and Renée Stevens. The award recipients were chosen by guest juror Amber Terranova (Photo Editor, PDN Magazine).

Exhibiting artists include Daniel Aguilera, Sarah Anthony, Martin Biando, Danielle Carrick, Caitlin Caspersen, Luis Chimbo, Kathryn Connelly, Maureen Coyle, Ciara Crocker, Rose Cromwell, Brian Dawson, Joshua L. DeMotts, Emily Edwards, Jillian Ellis, Julia Ferrier, Amy Francisco, Andrew Frost, Anthony Garito, Andrew Hida, Mark Hoelscher, Myron Holmes, Robert Hopkins, Max Jackson, Lauren Jones, Varun Joshi, Jenna Ketchmark, John Liau, Joe Lingeman, Robert Loughlin, Annie Louton, Allie Marino, Genevieve Marshall, Varvara Mikushkina, Bob Miller, Emma Morgan Meade, Hannah Nast, John O’Toole, Arundhati Patel, Carly Piersol, Elizabeth Reyes, Jessica Scarfo, Meghan Schaetzle, Masha Snitkovsky, Renée Stevens, Leah Stiles, Alyssa Stone, Bridget Streeter, Chris Trigaux, David Trotman-Wilkins, Jennifer Turner, Tracey Wishik, and Elif Yöney.

A number of themes recurred in the Light Work Student Invitational, including identity, love, loneliness, and the beauty of nature. I was particularly struck by the connection between photographer and subject in much of the work. Images of family dynamics, couples, moments between young lovers and friends, celebration, objects, religion, nature, empty urban and interior spaces, all seem to permeate the open invitational this year. In this particular invitational the individual images had to make an immediate impression since the call wasn’t for series. While editing the selections I began to take notice of imagery that revealed the photographers’ unique perspective or an intention. Technically proficient images reflecting a strong concept or aesthetic stood out.

Many of the students’ images appealed to me and felt fresh. But I was drawn to Genevieve Marshall’s portrait, the recipient of the 2011 Best of Show Award. Her image offers room for a viewer’s interpretation. The gentle light, muted colors, gesture, and subtle eye contact suggest a certain curiosity about her subject. This image also emphasizes the importance of timing. To capture spontaneous moments requires being observant and quick. Here, Marshall’s choice of focus and perspective create both intimacy and distance. It’s a moment that raises questions or hints at something to come.

Amber Terranova
Guest Juror

Amber Terranova is the Photo Editor of PDN Magazine. Terranova has built her career on editorial photography, working at New York Magazine, Outside Magazine, and currently at Photo District News. She is active in many areas of the photo industry including working on location for international commercial shoots with Creative-i Advertising agency and freelancing as a photo consultant for emerging photographers. She regularly reviews portfolios on a national level at Review Santa Fe, Photo LA, and more.

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This exhibition received support from Syracuse University’s Division of Student Affairs Co-curricular Fund.