‘Celebrate Boroondara’ is a photography exhibition featuring the winning entries in the 2023 Boroondara Photograph Competition.
Budding photographers of all ages and abilities were invited to submit past and present photographs celebrating the diversity and heritage of Boroondara’s places, spaces and people.
View the online gallery below.
About the exhibition
Judges considered photographs in two categories:
- Open Photograph Competition for people of all ages
- Young Photographers Competition for school-aged photographers.
The winner of the Best in Competition award will receive a one-on-one masterclass with artist Cyrus Tang.
Read about the winners and finalists on our Boroondara Photograph Competition 2023 winners page.
This exhibition is presented in collaboration with the Boroondara Library Service.
Open photograph competition, historical - Celebrate Boroondara photograph taken 1860s to 2019.
First place: Ian Spence, ‘Cinema 1’, 2017.
Artist statement: Interior of Cinema 1 at the Rivoli Cinema, Camberwell Road.
Judges’ comments: Stunning ability to capture the grandeur of the subject. It feels symbolic and is deeply reverent of the Rivoli. The repetitive lines and curves are satisfying to behold. Incredibly skilled, the angle and composition highlight the aesthetics and character of the building.
First place: Ian Spence, ‘Cinema 1’, 2017.
Artist statement: Interior of Cinema 1 at the Rivoli Cinema, Camberwell Road.
Judges’ comments: Stunning ability to capture the grandeur of the subject. It feels symbolic and is deeply reverent of the Rivoli. The repetitive lines and curves are satisfying to behold. Incredibly skilled, the angle and composition highlight the aesthetics and character of the building.
Open photograph competition, historical - Celebrate Boroondara photograph taken 1860s to 2019.
Second place: Anthony Juchnevicius, ‘Civic Contrast 1’, 2019.
Artist statement: Camberwell Civic Centre in winter light.
Judges’ comments: Brutalist and almost surrealist in quality. The hard lines of the building contrast with the organic material in the foreground. The dramatic use of light paired with a graphic sky lends to an overall clean and crisp photograph.
Second place: Anthony Juchnevicius, ‘Civic Contrast 1’, 2019.
Artist statement: Camberwell Civic Centre in winter light.
Judges’ comments: Brutalist and almost surrealist in quality. The hard lines of the building contrast with the organic material in the foreground. The dramatic use of light paired with a graphic sky lends to an overall clean and crisp photograph.
Open photograph competition, historical - Celebrate Boroondara photograph taken 1860s to 2019.
Third place: Leslie Blackman, submitted by Kaye Smith, ‘Out for a Sunday Drive’, circa 1923.
Artist statement: This photo was taken outside 18 Barina Road, Glen Iris, where my grandparents lived. My grandma Gertrude's cousin from Bristol visited while in Australia and offered to take the family out in his car for a picnic. My grandparents didn't have their own car until the 1960s, so they would have all been very excited and dressed in their Sunday best.
Judges’ comments: Revealing a world before the one we know today. There is a familiar historical narrative, provoking questions such as where they are, where they are going, and what their relationship is to each other? It candidly captures the personalities of people at the time.
Third place: Leslie Blackman, submitted by Kaye Smith, ‘Out for a Sunday Drive’, circa 1923.
Artist statement: This photo was taken outside 18 Barina Road, Glen Iris, where my grandparents lived. My grandma Gertrude's cousin from Bristol visited while in Australia and offered to take the family out in his car for a picnic. My grandparents didn't have their own car until the 1960s, so they would have all been very excited and dressed in their Sunday best.
Judges’ comments: Revealing a world before the one we know today. There is a familiar historical narrative, provoking questions such as where they are, where they are going, and what their relationship is to each other? It candidly captures the personalities of people at the time.
Open photograph competition, historical - Celebrate Boroondara photograph taken 1860s to 2019.
Highly commended: Michael Persin, ‘Attempt to escape’, 2018.
Artist statement: A trail along the Yarra in Kew.
Judges’ comments: Strong, sharp focus of the leaf into the foreground with nice use of depth of field. Creative use of editing the border to match the wear and tear of the leaf.
Highly commended: Michael Persin, ‘Attempt to escape’, 2018.
Artist statement: A trail along the Yarra in Kew.
Judges’ comments: Strong, sharp focus of the leaf into the foreground with nice use of depth of field. Creative use of editing the border to match the wear and tear of the leaf.
Open photograph competition, Boroondara today - Celebrate Boroondara photograph taken 2020 to 2023.
First Place: Julian Fletcher, ‘Ted’, 2023.
Artist statement: This is a photo of Ted. I have been living and working in Spain for the past seven years. I recently returned to Melbourne and started working at Tanuki Tattoo Studio, Burwood Road, in Hawthorn. Ted is a close friend to one of our resident artists and visits the studio on a regular basis. Not to get tattooed but simply to say hello to everyone.
After meeting Ted a few times and building a friendship, I asked Ted if he would be happy to sit for some portraits, to which he agreed. This is one of those photos.
The photo was taken in the photo room at the tattoo studio. Normally this room is used for taking photos of tattoos etc for social media. With a little rearranging of lights, I was able to capture this striking image of Ted.
Ted is a pillar of society, not just in Hawthorn but the whole of Melbourne. He is a true gentleman and always has a story to tell.
Judges’ comments: Excellently executed portrait of a truly captivating subject. There's a softness in the composition of the photograph that beautifully contrasts the subject's tattoos. This portrait evokes curiosity about what the subject might be thinking or feeling. You'd like to know more about his life. His tattoos feel as though they tell a story, and the lighting perfectly highlights them alongside the beautiful lines on his face.
First Place: Julian Fletcher, ‘Ted’, 2023.
Artist statement: This is a photo of Ted. I have been living and working in Spain for the past seven years. I recently returned to Melbourne and started working at Tanuki Tattoo Studio, Burwood Road, in Hawthorn. Ted is a close friend to one of our resident artists and visits the studio on a regular basis. Not to get tattooed but simply to say hello to everyone.
After meeting Ted a few times and building a friendship, I asked Ted if he would be happy to sit for some portraits, to which he agreed. This is one of those photos.
The photo was taken in the photo room at the tattoo studio. Normally this room is used for taking photos of tattoos etc for social media. With a little rearranging of lights, I was able to capture this striking image of Ted.
Ted is a pillar of society, not just in Hawthorn but the whole of Melbourne. He is a true gentleman and always has a story to tell.
Judges’ comments: Excellently executed portrait of a truly captivating subject. There's a softness in the composition of the photograph that beautifully contrasts the subject's tattoos. This portrait evokes curiosity about what the subject might be thinking or feeling. You'd like to know more about his life. His tattoos feel as though they tell a story, and the lighting perfectly highlights them alongside the beautiful lines on his face.
Open photograph competition, Boroondara today - Celebrate Boroondara photograph taken 2020 to 2023.
Second place: Mark Fang, ‘Home’, 2022.
Artist statement: It was taken in front of my house on Maling Road, captured as my mate was getting in the house.
Judges’ comments: Great contrast and considered use of artificial light from within the home against the sunset. A domestic warmth radiates inside the house, with the doorway as a compelling focal point. There is a slight sense of movement as the figure's foot nearly lands on the ground. Excellent focus and a familiar sense of voyeurism to see someone return home at the end of the day.
Second place: Mark Fang, ‘Home’, 2022.
Artist statement: It was taken in front of my house on Maling Road, captured as my mate was getting in the house.
Judges’ comments: Great contrast and considered use of artificial light from within the home against the sunset. A domestic warmth radiates inside the house, with the doorway as a compelling focal point. There is a slight sense of movement as the figure's foot nearly lands on the ground. Excellent focus and a familiar sense of voyeurism to see someone return home at the end of the day.
Open photograph competition, Boroondara today - Celebrate Boroondara photograph taken 2020 to 2023.
Third place: Mark Fang, ‘Swimming’, 2021.
Artist statement: It is an aerial photograph of the Boroondara Sports Complex.
Judges’ comments: The aerial view is a stunning choice as it highlights the purposeful elements of urban planning that you would miss from the ground view. Visually satisfying lines and patterns in the architecture alongside the swimmers captured perfectly in a semi-circle. Overall, a unique perspective of a quintessential community pastime.
Third place: Mark Fang, ‘Swimming’, 2021.
Artist statement: It is an aerial photograph of the Boroondara Sports Complex.
Judges’ comments: The aerial view is a stunning choice as it highlights the purposeful elements of urban planning that you would miss from the ground view. Visually satisfying lines and patterns in the architecture alongside the swimmers captured perfectly in a semi-circle. Overall, a unique perspective of a quintessential community pastime.
Open photograph competition, Boroondara today - Celebrate Boroondara photograph taken 2020 to 2023.
Highly commended: Ray Gruchy, ‘Malone’s Hotel’, 2021.
Artist statement: Malone’s Hotel is an iconic Canterbury building. Also known as Canterbury Mansions when it was a private hotel, this building has special significance to me as it was where my parents spent their first night as a married couple. The photo was taken a day shy of what would have been their 82nd wedding anniversary. The photo was taken early one morning to take advantage of minimal traffic and beautiful light.
Judges’ comments: The lavender haze bathing Malone’s Hotel captures the crispness of the winter air as the streetlights remain on as night transitions to dawn. Amazing that the photographer could capture a time when there wasn't anyone around. Regal and majestic viewpoint.
Highly commended: Ray Gruchy, ‘Malone’s Hotel’, 2021.
Artist statement: Malone’s Hotel is an iconic Canterbury building. Also known as Canterbury Mansions when it was a private hotel, this building has special significance to me as it was where my parents spent their first night as a married couple. The photo was taken a day shy of what would have been their 82nd wedding anniversary. The photo was taken early one morning to take advantage of minimal traffic and beautiful light.
Judges’ comments: The lavender haze bathing Malone’s Hotel captures the crispness of the winter air as the streetlights remain on as night transitions to dawn. Amazing that the photographer could capture a time when there wasn't anyone around. Regal and majestic viewpoint.
Open photograph competition, Boroondara today - Celebrate Boroondara photograph taken 2020 to 2023.
Highly commended: Alex Tomlinson, ‘A Frosty Morning in Kew’, 2023.
Artist statement: A deserted Eglington Reserve (Derby Street, Kew) on a foggy morning in April.
Judges’ comments: Ghostly and ethereal. This image beautifully catches the quiet before the day begins. Despite the foggy atmosphere, there is a symmetrical and sprawling composition with distinct contrasting tones. You can almost smell the dew on the ground. Very atmospheric.
Highly commended: Alex Tomlinson, ‘A Frosty Morning in Kew’, 2023.
Artist statement: A deserted Eglington Reserve (Derby Street, Kew) on a foggy morning in April.
Judges’ comments: Ghostly and ethereal. This image beautifully catches the quiet before the day begins. Despite the foggy atmosphere, there is a symmetrical and sprawling composition with distinct contrasting tones. You can almost smell the dew on the ground. Very atmospheric.
Young photographers competition, secondary photographers.
First place and best in competition: Riley Armytage, ‘The Lady Above’, 2023.
Artist statement: This is a photo of a statue in the Boroondara General Cemetery.
Judges’ comments: This is a very compelling photo of an iconic Boroondara location. Excellent choice to use black and white photography in this Gothic space. The aesthetic decisions fit the eerie subject matter. Wonderful composition of the angel in the sky. The trees provide texture, while the sky emphasises the form of the statue. Overall, a highly ethereal, sombre image.
First place and best in competition: Riley Armytage, ‘The Lady Above’, 2023.
Artist statement: This is a photo of a statue in the Boroondara General Cemetery.
Judges’ comments: This is a very compelling photo of an iconic Boroondara location. Excellent choice to use black and white photography in this Gothic space. The aesthetic decisions fit the eerie subject matter. Wonderful composition of the angel in the sky. The trees provide texture, while the sky emphasises the form of the statue. Overall, a highly ethereal, sombre image.
Young photographers competition, secondary photographers.
Second place: Riley Armytage, ‘A mum in her garden’, 2023.
Artist statement: This is a photo of my mum, Louise Collins, standing in her garden in the backyard of our house.
Judges’ comments: Wonderfully candid image that captures the subject matter well, demonstrating the true essence of portraiture. The strong connection between the photographer and the subject is apparent in this photograph. The de-saturated use of colour suits the mood of this nostalgic image. It is well-framed and has a thoughtful and appealing lighting.
Second place: Riley Armytage, ‘A mum in her garden’, 2023.
Artist statement: This is a photo of my mum, Louise Collins, standing in her garden in the backyard of our house.
Judges’ comments: Wonderfully candid image that captures the subject matter well, demonstrating the true essence of portraiture. The strong connection between the photographer and the subject is apparent in this photograph. The de-saturated use of colour suits the mood of this nostalgic image. It is well-framed and has a thoughtful and appealing lighting.
Young photographers competition, secondary photographers.
Third place: Riley Armytage, ‘Sunday Afternoon’, 2023.
Artist statement: This is a photo from my backyard.
Judges’ comments: Captures the everyday in a comforting and simple way. The core elements of the foreground, middle ground, and background are slightly concealed, making the viewer curious while dragging their eyes through the scene. The simplicity of this image shows a wonderful sense of economy and simplicity. A very intriguing photo.
Third place: Riley Armytage, ‘Sunday Afternoon’, 2023.
Artist statement: This is a photo from my backyard.
Judges’ comments: Captures the everyday in a comforting and simple way. The core elements of the foreground, middle ground, and background are slightly concealed, making the viewer curious while dragging their eyes through the scene. The simplicity of this image shows a wonderful sense of economy and simplicity. A very intriguing photo.
Young photographers competition, secondary photographers.
Highly commended: Khaled Moulazem, ‘Home’, 2023.
Artist statement: The photo was taken at Maud Street, Balwyn North, and it depicts the subject matter (flower) blooming in the sun, with its vibrant, pink petals out to show off its beauty and attract passers.
Judges’ comments: Excellent use of colour, saturation, and interesting composition. The contrast of hard metals and the natural fragility of the flowers has a nice juxtaposition. This would make a great album cover!
Highly commended: Khaled Moulazem, ‘Home’, 2023.
Artist statement: The photo was taken at Maud Street, Balwyn North, and it depicts the subject matter (flower) blooming in the sun, with its vibrant, pink petals out to show off its beauty and attract passers.
Judges’ comments: Excellent use of colour, saturation, and interesting composition. The contrast of hard metals and the natural fragility of the flowers has a nice juxtaposition. This would make a great album cover!
Young photographers competition, junior photographers.
First place: Aryan Shali, ‘Spring in Boroondara’, 2023.
Artist statement: I was walking back from Stradbroke Park after the last day of athletics when I saw a bunch of these beautiful sunflowers. Do you know who else liked them as much as me? A swarm of bees.
Judges’ comments: The photographer's ability to capture the subject with a sophisticated depth of field is highly impressive. This image demonstrates a strong awareness of light and clever positioning of the sun, which illuminates the grandeur of the sunflower.
First place: Aryan Shali, ‘Spring in Boroondara’, 2023.
Artist statement: I was walking back from Stradbroke Park after the last day of athletics when I saw a bunch of these beautiful sunflowers. Do you know who else liked them as much as me? A swarm of bees.
Judges’ comments: The photographer's ability to capture the subject with a sophisticated depth of field is highly impressive. This image demonstrates a strong awareness of light and clever positioning of the sun, which illuminates the grandeur of the sunflower.
Young photographers competition, junior photographers.
Second place: Angus Zhang, ‘A Big Big House’, 2023.
Artist statement: The photo was taken in Kew Gardens on 29 April 2023. It is a spider in its big house.
Judges’ comments: The subject matter of the spider and its intricate web is very difficult to capture, let alone capture it so beautifully. This photograph has an impressive abstract quality, attention to detail, and good use of background and foreground. The photographer has demonstrated advanced camera craft with selective focus.
Second place: Angus Zhang, ‘A Big Big House’, 2023.
Artist statement: The photo was taken in Kew Gardens on 29 April 2023. It is a spider in its big house.
Judges’ comments: The subject matter of the spider and its intricate web is very difficult to capture, let alone capture it so beautifully. This photograph has an impressive abstract quality, attention to detail, and good use of background and foreground. The photographer has demonstrated advanced camera craft with selective focus.
Young photographers competition, junior photographers.
Third place: Harvey Kent, ‘Blue Sky’, 2023.
Artist statement: I like this photo because it shows the outline of the poles against the blue sky. The clouds make the sky feel really large. The photo shows that there are so many different spaces in Boroondara.
Judges’ comments: This is a very thoughtful image that places viewers in a daydream. There is a nice contrast between man-made powerlines and the beauty of the sky and the trees surrounding it. This image captures the familiarity of quiet everyday moments.
Third place: Harvey Kent, ‘Blue Sky’, 2023.
Artist statement: I like this photo because it shows the outline of the poles against the blue sky. The clouds make the sky feel really large. The photo shows that there are so many different spaces in Boroondara.
Judges’ comments: This is a very thoughtful image that places viewers in a daydream. There is a nice contrast between man-made powerlines and the beauty of the sky and the trees surrounding it. This image captures the familiarity of quiet everyday moments.
Young photographers competition, junior photographers.
Highly commended: Jasmine Place, ‘Guinea Pig Picnic’, 2023.
Artist statement: Photo taken at Watson Park, Ashburton. Photo depicts Jasmine's pet Guinea pig on a picnic blanket.
Judges’ comments: The judges were pleased to see such creative staging in this photograph. There is a strong focus on the subject and narrative element, linking the subject matter with the Boroondara community by referring to Watson Park.
Highly commended: Jasmine Place, ‘Guinea Pig Picnic’, 2023.
Artist statement: Photo taken at Watson Park, Ashburton. Photo depicts Jasmine's pet Guinea pig on a picnic blanket.
Judges’ comments: The judges were pleased to see such creative staging in this photograph. There is a strong focus on the subject and narrative element, linking the subject matter with the Boroondara community by referring to Watson Park.