New teen voices in photography, at Chester Fields: Unsung, opening at The Polygon Gallery, August 12
Annual exhibition highlights topics seldom given attention in public spaces
Unbottled. Photo by Nasim Ayatollahi-Moussavi
The Polygon Gallery presents Chester Fields: Unsung from August 12 to September 10, with an Opening Celebration on August 12 from 1 pm to 3 pm
THE TURMOIL OF ADHD, the emotional support offered by stuffed animals, and the feelings of homesickness faced by immigrants: these are all topics addressed in The Polygon Gallery’s newest exhibition, Chester Fields: Unsung.
The most refreshing part of the collection is that all the photographs are taken by teenagers. Prompted by a theme of capturing important moments they believe lack public awareness or are seldom displayed in formal exhibition spaces, the young artists’ works will be unveiled for the first time on August 12 in a 1 pm reception.
Twenty shortlisted photographs taken by the local visionaries will be on display virtually and in person. The images cover a variety of topics; many touch upon mental health, family dynamics, and beauty standards, while others unpack deep-rooted societal and environmental issues.
Silence Speaks Volumes. Photo by Talia Hunter
In Talia Hunter’s Silence Speaks Volumes, a black-and-white photograph depicts the silencing of marginalized women. The photo’s subject is shown with tape over her mouth, the words “SILENCE SPEAKS VOLUMES” projected atop her face.
Tammy Oh tackles beauty standards with her photograph I am perfect., in which a model holds a mirror up to her “imperfect” teeth, embracing them as they are. Tatyanna Wilke’s Origins Pt. 1, 2 takes on a similar tone of celebrating body diversity—the work compares the raw human beauty of stretch marks, birthmarks, and scars to resemblances in nature, such as the intricate veins of a leaf.
I am perfect. Photo by Tammy Oh
Chester Fields is an annual initiative by The Polygon Gallery that supports the development of young photographers by showcasing their original work in a professional setting. Embracing a new theme each year, a jury of professional artists reviews the submissions and selects finalists, whose art will be displayed at the gallery.
The shortlisted photographs can be viewed at The Polygon Gallery until September 10. They can also be viewed online, along with an additional 20 longlisted photos here.
Tu’ux Ka Bin? (What is your pathway?). Photo by Mya Garrido Diaz
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