‘SEEN’ Kindlehill School Photography Exhibition - Affirming Identity & Breaking Down Stereotypes
In October/November 2024 we were thrilled to host a showcase of student photography from across the Blue Mountains confronting the issue of teen mental health and pushing back against society’s perception of teens. We look forward to hosting this exhibition annually. Here is the write up from the organising students themselves. Congratulations to all the students that bravely showed us who they are, much respect to you.
“SEEN is the result of Buran Nalgarra: Kindlehill’s year 11 Problems that Matter unit. Problems that matter is a community-based learning program that seeks to address real-world problems and build community collaboration.
We began this unit of work with conversations with six community elders and change makers to ask them about the problems that matter in our community. Youth mental health, climate change and social connection were three resounding themes that emerged from these conversations. SEEN is designed in response to these conversations and to provide young people with an opportunity for expression, connection, and to celebrate creativity.
We wanted young people to see their own art on the walls of local galleries and to share images of who they really are.
We invited teens from across the Blue Mountains to contribute portraits of themselves or a friend that affirm identity and break down stereotypes. Our question was, How do you want to be SEEN?
Teens we’re invited to a free workshop with local photographer, Maja Baska. 12 young people gathered on a Saturday afternoon at the gallery to experiment with light, composition and portrait design.
We are proud to present these 34 portraits showcasing the talents of students from Katoomba High School, Kindlehill High School, St Columba’s Catholic College, Sydney Distance Education High School and the home school community.
We are deeply grateful to GalleryONE88 for their generous support of this project and Blue Mountains City Council for their sponsorship of our photography workshop.
We thank you for coming to see our work.
This is who we are.
This is how we want to be SEEN.
Rose, Piper and Beau - Year 11, Buran Nalgarra: Kindlehill”
