Student Dayna Murnane was named the People’s Choice Award winner following the CQUniversity Bundaberg exhibition Exploring Emotions through the Lens.
Dayna received high praise for her work which was featured in the exhibition, gaining the attention of many visitors to the gallery.
The exhibition tasked students with answering a question in a photo: “Emotions pass like time, dissipating into thin air unnoticed and often times unspoken… (but if) emotion became visibly clear, how would it feel?”
Dayna’s work was highly commended by the master trainer Sabrina Lauriston and is one of her favourite pieces from the exhibition.
Dayna said being part of the exhibition gave her the opportunity to raise awareness and start discussions about emotions close to her.
“Emotions through the Lens was about exploring any emotions that we would like through photography,” Dayna said.
“I chose exhaustion and sadness to go towards the depression because I have been through that myself.
“I was hoping people would connect and know that they are not alone and help raise awareness.”
Dayna said she did not expect to win the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Garrick’s Camera House Bundaberg, and was grateful for the opportunity to exhibit her work.
“I was very surprised when I found out I had won,” she said.
“The exhibition provided a great chance to hear directly from other people about how they loved my work and receive face-to-face feedback.”
Looking forward to completing her degree next year, Dayna hopes to start her own photography business.
“I am studying a Bachelor of Digital Media,” she said.
“I am in my second year and I have always had an interest in creative arts so look forward to finishing the degree.
“I have started my own photography business through Facebook, called Memories By Dayna Photography.”
The Exploring Emotions through the Lens exhibition is a collaboration between CQUniversity, the Regional Arts Services Network, the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, and Bundaberg Regional Council.
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