Strong foundation

Roberta Thornley has won the Arts Foundation’s Marti Friedlander Photographic Award.

Roberta Thornley, Float, 2009, archival pigment ink photograph on Ilford Galerie Gold Fibre Silk paper, 680x750mm

Roberta is the first recipient of the award since Marti, who noted Roberta’s potential back in 2008, passed away in November last year. Roberta’s work is described as simple, discreet and evocative. Sarjeant Gallery curator Greg Donson describes Roberta as a photographer who engages with her subjects to explore what it means to be human.

The Friedlander award, which includes a $25,000 donation, is presented every two years to an established photographer with a record of excellence.

First published Art Zone #72