Macular Disease Foundation Australia is calling for entries into the fourth annual mEYE World Photographic Competition and is asking health professionals and indeed all Australians to submit a photograph that captures the theme: “a sight worth saving”.
This year’s competition boasts a high profile judging panel including media identity and Patron of the Macular Disease Foundation Australia Ita Buttrose, AO, OBE, iconic Australian artist Ken Done, AM, internationally recognised photographer Rex Dupain and one of Australia’s longest serving news photographers, Alan Pryke.
Photographer Rex Dupain said he was looking forward to being involved in judging the submissions. “A winning photo will capture a moment in time and convey the essence of that moment to the viewer… I’m looking forward to seeing how entrants capture the competition theme ‘a sight worth saving’. Art and photography is subjective in its nature, and the theme encourages people to consider an image which is important to them.”
Artist Ken Done was keen to point out that art is not an exclusive interest. “Art shouldn’t be something that you go quietly into an art gallery and dip your forelock and say ‘I have to be very quiet, I’m in here amongst the art.’ It’s here, art’s everywhere. It’s how you use your eyes. It’s about the enjoyment of visual things. And it’s certainly not for any one group of people,” he said.
Macular Disease Foundation Australia Chief Executive Officer, Julie Heraghty, is encouraging all Australians to participate in this years’ competition. “This is an exciting project of the Foundation’s to raise awareness of macular disease and eye health. We want Australians to use photography to capture the theme ‘a sight worth saving’. Vision is a precious sense and we can all help to save sight by spreading the word about the importance of having an eye test and macula check. This is a fun and exciting way to help ensure we can all see a future,” she said.
In 2014 the competition runs until 12 November. Winners will be announced on 9 December. The four categories for the competition are open (general public); macular disease community; healthcare professionals; junior – under 18 years.
For details visit www.meyephotocomp.com.au
