Key Light awards luminous work
“Key light” is a photography term describing the most important light source used in creating the form of a subject. The “key” idea also references problem-solving, unlocking, and deciphering.
The SCAD Key Light Alumni Photography Challenge 2021 was created by President Paula Wallace to provide a platform for alumni of the university’s award-winning photography program. President Wallace asked a select group of graduates — each recognized for their unique gifts of design and execution — to take inspiration from the current SCAD FASH exhibition Albert Watson: The Light Behind the Lens. (When discussing his work, Watson often speaks about the importance of positioning the key light.) A team of judges, including professors, curators, and Watson himself, evaluated the photographs, providing feedback and awarding standout works.
“With this challenge, I can see the creative energy in the photographs,” said Albert Watson. “It was clear the students set out to make a statement.”
This presidential initiative challenged the graduates to consider Watson’s work and expert use of light as a point of departure to achieve their own visions. Nineteen SCAD photography alumni participated in the Key Light challenge.
Through in-person and virtual tours of Watson’s exhibition at SCAD FASH, these alumni engaged the museum as an educational and archival resource for projects that paid homage to Watson’s keen eye and mesmerizing work. The challenge provided a unique opportunity for these accomplished alums to interact with the prolific master of photography. Each artist received an honorarium upon completion of their work. Key Light is representative of President Wallace’s ongoing dedication to engaging alumni through providing creative opportunities, exposure and recognition.
Three honorees were selected as outstanding submissions in recognition of their interpretation of the iconic photographer’s distinctive style, use of shadow and light, and creative vision.
The honorees are: Emily Earl (B.F.A, photography, 2007) for “Moonbather”; Sequoyah Wildwyn-Dechter (B.F.A. photography, 2019) for “Untitled”; and Shine Huang (M.F.A, photography, 2017) for “Tinker, Chef, Fish.” As recognition for their work and selection, each artist was awarded an additional $2,000 honorarium. All photography submissions from the “Key Light” challenge, including video of the alumni master class interaction with Watson will be showcased on scadfash.org/key-light-challenge.
Michael James O’Brien, associate chair, SCAD photography: “All the artists who submitted were winners. We were so thrilled to see such creative and beautiful work from these talented artists from SCAD’s top ranked photography program, and who I have also had the privilege of mentoring. Albert’s in-depth commentary and his recognition of the accomplished SCAD alumni work made this challenge especially successful.”
“I appreciate the premise of this challenge; create like one of the greats, but make it your own,” said honoree Sequoyah Wildwyn-Dechter. “Having my work in front of Albert Watson’s eyes is still a little surreal to me, but it’s one of the reasons I’m so grateful to SCAD for providing these types of opportunities. You won’t get them anywhere else.”
Written by Scottie Walden Albertson.
