Lauren
Petrina Hicks
2003 | light jet photographic print| accession number 743
purchased by the Art Board 2006 – Murdoch University Art Collection
© the artist

Petrina HICKS

born 1972, Sydney, New South Wales
lives and works in Sydney, New South Wales

Petrina Hicks has established herself as one of Australia’s notable and collectable young photographers.

Lauren, the subject of this photograph is albino - a genetic trait which may be perceived as imperfect. This is one of a series of photographs by Hicks which studies the concept of beauty in the aberration. Hicks creates flawless digitally retouched images of teens who bear physical or emotional scars and disabilities in order to highlight the unreality of the ‘perfect’ imagery of teens we are exposed to through popular media.

Hick’s comments: I chose Lauren as the subject for this portrait because she embodies qualities of grace and elegance. I was trying to create calm, still and eerie portrait that portrayed an almost spiritual or mystical quality, with an underlying tension between perfection and imperfection.

Other selected artwork acquisitions