'A Portrait of Tiegan and Alfie from the series A Place I Call Home. Enigmatic and haunting, this artistic and socially-engaged photography series is focused on the lives of four young women, their families, the impacts of generational gender-based trauma and their progressive relationship with the police.
Socially-engaged practice intends to affect change in this case using the power of photography to generate empathy and understanding amongst officers to influence real developments within police work and help foster better compassion about the complex issues faced by the girls. This portrait stood out in particular for its sensitive portrayal of the girl and the child; a strong composition full of painterly light in a beautifully caught and selected moment, it is clear that from the trusting gaze, vulnerability and strength, that a genuine emotional bond has been built with the photographer through spending time together in their participatory sessions co-creating images and text, listening to and valuing contributions.
This humbling image prompts more questions than answers but left me with a feeling of admiration, love and hope.'