Architecture 1st place winner

Do you believe that the first space colony created by mankind will happen during your lifetime?

Technology has advanced so quickly over the past few years. In the overall scheme of things, we’re just a flash in the pan and yet we’ve done so much to change our planet. Humankind is leaving a profound legacy on Earth, turning it into the sanctuary that we want it to be or perhaps farewelling a paradise that we’ve already lost.

‘2021 ± II: Utopia Broadcasting’ explores themes of futurism, human construction, sheer curiosity, consumerism, as well as the wonders and dangers associated with science. The overall aim of this project is to utilise existing industrial structures within the Icelandic landscape to transport the viewer’s imagination to another world that exists outside of time – one where the conversation centres around dreams for a better life amidst the darker side of human ideals.

Serena Dzenis is a lens-based artist from Australia who resides in Iceland. She uses her work to tell stories about science, conservation, environmental issues and the future of mankind.

Serena’s photographs depart from the traditional, with a focus on capturing the otherworldliness that is sometimes associated with nature and human constructions on our own planet. The emphasis of her art is on storytelling within the landscape – connecting with the land and exploring the outcomes of human desires while immersing oneself in the rhythms and dangers associated with the living presence of this world.

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
BBA Photography Prize 2021, Selected Shortlist Exhibition | Aletto Hotel Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, Germany (Dec 15, 2021 - Mar 15, 2022)
BBA Photography Prize 2021, Shortlist Exhibition | Kühlhaus Berlin, Germany (25th Nov - 12th Dec 2021)
Being YoUnique Photographic Exhibition: Meet the Artist, curated by the Children’s Tumour Foundation | Bourke Place, Melbourne, Australia

AWARDS
Shortlisted, "2021 ± II: Utopia Broadcasting" | Belfast Photo Festival 2022
Shortlisted, "2021 ± II: Utopia Broadcasting" | Sony World Photography Awards 2022
Shortlisted, “2021 ± II: Utopia Broadcasting” | BBA Photography Prize 2021, BBA Gallery
Finalist, “Acquiescence” | Siena International Photo Awards 2020