The 2024 RMIT University Library Art Prize has been awarded to Bachelor of Arts (Photography) Graduate Zhongxin Guo (aka Slend3r_).
Zhongxin Guo’s work caught the attention of the prize selection panel with an exquisite photobook of elegant black and white images titled ‘thousands of me’. Writing about their work on the RMIT School of Art online profiles, Slender explained “I have been constantly running away, fearing the gaze of others. So, I became anyone, and anyone became me. My work explores themes of escape and anonymity, reflecting a journey shaped by the fear of being truly seen. I use minimalist black-and-white photography to blur the boundaries between each other, creating images where identity is fluid and undefined. Each photo is a place to hide and transform, a way of becoming anyone—and in doing so a way of connecting to everyone.” – Zhongxin Guo – RMIT School of Art Graduates
Reflecting on the award, Charles Barnett, Library Business Partner at RMIT University Library said “The Library continues to grow through our collaborations with the School of Art. We are extremely happy to be invested in the work and outcomes of students. As a significant partner in the student learning journey, we feel privileged to be involved with this event.”
The RMIT Library Art Prize allows the library to recognize and celebrate the amazing work of students from the School of Art. Charles Barnett continued, “The Award is selected by a panel of library staff who are then able to engage with the works of students in ways that we may otherwise not have the opportunity to. This really helps us to reflect on our role, especially in relation to the creative disciplines.”
“In our second year, we focused our gaze on Photography. For the team of Library staff on the selection committee, Zhongxin Guo’s ‘Thousands of me’ somehow managed to float above a sea of incredible work. The details and depth in the alluring images, as well as the intimacy of the associated art book, struck us all. We were really drawn in and found ourselves returning to the work again and again as we deliberated.”
Zhongxin Guo entered the RMIT Bachelor of Arts (Photography) via the RMIT Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging pathway. These pathways are becoming increasingly significant as more high school students opt for an unscored VCE.
“I learned a lot about the fundamentals of photography during the RMIT Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging, such as camera operation, studio lighting, printing, and professional portfolio building. I can say it was the starting point of my photography journey, and I am very grateful to the teachers of the diploma program.”
“I chose to do this RMIT Bachelor of Arts (Photography) degree because I want to further enhance my professional skills and refine my artistic expression. I aim to delve deeper into different genres and concepts to improve my storytelling methods and strengthen my ability to communicate visually on a more profound level.”
Reflecting on their future with photography, Zhongxin Guo said “I enjoy telling stories through photography instead of words or language. I plan to continue using photography as a medium to explore and share my thoughts and vision with my audience.”
