Sunderland puts world class photos on display

Running from today until Sunday, June 4, and organised by The National Portrait Gallery London, The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize entries will be on display at the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens.

Showcasing talented young photographers, gifted amateurs and established professionals, the 2016 competition features a diverse range of images and tells the often fascinating stories behind the creation of the work.

Coun John Kelly, Sunderland City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, said: “Sunderland is once again the first venue outside of London to host this year’s exhibition.

“As a city bidding for UK City of Culture 2021 we should be proud of our ever-growing reputation for hosting such world class exhibitions.

“The exhibition showcases new works that have been submitted by some of the world’s most exciting contemporary photographers and as well as the competition winner there will be more than 50 other images capturing a wide range of characters and locations.

“I encourage everyone to take some time to go along and make the most of this fantastic opportunity to see some truly stunning photography here in Sunderland.”

The winning portrait of a Johannesburg schoolboy was submitted by Claudio Rasano. Part of Rasano’s series Similar Uniforms: We Refuse to Compare, it was taken in February 2016, in Johannesburg, South Africa and focuses on issues of preserving individuality in the context of school uniforms.

The selected images, many of which will be on display for the first time, explore both traditional and contemporary approaches to the photographic portrait whilst capturing a range of characters, moods and locations.

The exhibition of fifty-seven works features all of the prestigious prize winners including the winner of the £15,000 first prize.

Since the international competition began in 1993, it has remained a hugely important platform for portrait photographers.