Record number of entries picture isolation in photography prize

John Golena, a second-year Bachelor of Architectural Studies student, has scooped the 2020 Simon Devitt Prize for Photography. 

This year's fitting theme was Isolation, inspiring an explosion of creativity amongst the University's Creative Arts and Industries students. Over eighty entries portraying individual interpretations of isolation captured a unique part of history during the extraordinary worldwide lockdown.

When announcing the winner, judge and sponsor of the competition, popular Auckland-based photographer Simon Devitt said: 

"The shared experience of lockdown was a time for reflection, creation and new ways of doing things. These experiences are reflected in the quality of the work entered this year, which made the process of choosing a winner very, very challenging."

Now in its 13th year, the award was established by Devitt, who specialises in and teaches architectural photography at the University.

"So many of the entries commanded my attention, and they need to be acknowledged, which is why this year I have a runner up and a number of commended finalists. Their work made the winner and runner up prove themselves."

John Golena, the ecstatic winner for his image It's Just Me, Myself and I: Solo Ride Until I Die, grew up in Singapore, moving to New Zealand when he was 16.

 "I was really surprised I won to be honest, as I shot the image with my iPhone and was fully expecting someone with a DSLR camera to win.

"I framed my iPhone in the garden, set the timer and took a few shots. Because the camera was stationary, the lighting was the same, so I just needed to cut myself out of each frame and combine the shots. I figured, why not put them all in one frame? More eye candy!"

John is studying for a Bachelor of Architectural Studies which he says has pushed him to improve his design thinking. He aspires to share what he learns through teaching others and dreams of becoming a creative director designing film sets. 

On his time spent in isolation, John reflects on a "sad experience of endless YouTube videos, losing my gym gains, manipulating photos in photoshop, plus time with my family and cat."

John, who turned down an earlier road trip with friends through a lack of funds, is now planning a 'staycation' in Queenstown during semester break, Covid-permitting, with his $1,000 prize money. We look forward to seeing the photos!