Barry Kearney's "Girl in blue dress at NGV" was a finalist the 2016 $25,000 Bowness Photographic Prize. The Bowness is one of Australia's top photographic competitions. In 2016 it attracted 2400 entries from over 600 Australian professional and amateur photographers. First prize is $25,000. It is run by the Monash Art Gallery. The shortlisted entries wereon show at the Monash Art Gallery from September 1st.
The photo features the famous "water window" at the National Gallery of Victoria, in Melbourne. The photo was taken from the pavement, outside the Gallery. The blue and green colours are reflections of the trees and sky behind the camera. The large white structure behind the window is actually a huge artwork by renowned Chinese artist, Ai Weiwei. It's called "Chandelier with Restored Han Dynasty Lamps for the Emperor 2", a five-metre tall chandelier of crystal and light. The chandelier is a symbol of extravagance for Ai, who grew up in exile without lights or candles during China’s Cultural Revolution.
Barry spent over two hours in 35C heat waiting for the "decisive moment" to capture this photo. The little girl and her brother were running backwards and forwards across the window, having a great time. and getting completely wet. The difficulty in getting this photo was the hundreds of people entering the gallery on the right, exiting on the left, touching the water or just standing around chatting. And waiting for the best "gesture" of the little girl, who did not know she was being photographed.