Who won the 2016 Bowness Photography prize?

Melbourne-based photographer Valerie Sparks has won the 2016 William and Winifred Bowness Photography Prize with a surreal landscape image photographed on the South Coast of Tasmania. 

Sparks, who received an honorary mention in last year's Bowness, was awarded $25,000 for her winning image Prospero's Island – North East.

Sparks' says her winning image was inspirated by Shakespeare's The Tempest.

"The [series] explores the theme of displacement, which is central to both The Tempest and the turbulent history of Tasmania," she said. “One of the things that motivated me was honouring one of Australia’s most iconic landscapes.”

This year's Bowness Photography Prize was judged by filmmaker Fred Schepisi, professional photographer John Gollings, and Monash Gallery of Art director Kallie Blauhorn.

“The Bowness Prize has always attracted an impressive variety of artists, and this year the sheer depth of talent and breadth of technique only speaks to the evolving landscape of photography in Australia and the inspired innovation emerging from photographer’s nationwide,” said Blauhorn.

“Valerie’s work is breathtaking. With this piece, she has once again proven that she is both a master technician and serious creative talent. I am so pleased that after being a finalist on four separate occasions, Valerie is being recognised this year,” said Blauhorn.

The shortlist of 60 works, including Sparks' winning image, will be exhibited at MGA (860 Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill, Victoria) until October 16.

More: www.mga.org.au/bowness-prize