Chester Fields 2023:
Unsung

This year’s theme, “Unsung”, was inspired by The Polygon’s recent exhibition As We Rise: Photography from the Black
Atlantic, which featured over one hundred photographs that celebrated the beauty, power, and joy of everyday life in Black communities. Images like those in As We Rise allow us to more fully appreciate the breadth and nuance of our social fabric and shared histories; and yet, for many visitors, it was their first time seeing such work presented in a gallery setting. “Unsung” asked young photographers to consider important aspects of their own lives that they haven’t seen reflected in exhibition spaces. It challenged them to think about how photography could provide a platform, raising into public awareness something that deserves more attention.

To this year’s shortlisted and longlisted artists: thank you. Your images move us crucially toward removing stigma and envisioning a kinder, fairer, and safer world; and for that, sincerely, congratulations.

Chester Fields is an initiative of The Polygon Gallery that encourages the development of visionary young photographers, giving them an opportunity to show their work on a professional platform. Teen artists from across the region are invited to submit original works of photographic art in response to a theme. All submittals are reviewed by a jury of artists and arts professionals, who select works to be shown in both virtual and onsite exhibitions.

Below showcases the submittals chosen by the jury. An in-person exhibition of the shortlisted artists will be shown at The Polygon Gallery August 12 to September 10, 2023.

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Generously Supported By
The Hamber Foundation, Hemlock Printers, and The Lab Vancouver

Media Partner
North Shore News

Header image: Anita Bonarens