An exhibition of 140 thought provoking, challenging and occasionally confronting world press photographs featuring the most significant international news events of 2014 opens at the Western Australian Museum in Perth on 4 July, 2015.

WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said the World Press Photo 2015 Contest drew entries from 5,692 photographers from 131 countries with a staggering 97,912 entries – the best of which will go on display at the Museum this weekend.

“World Press Photo 15 exhibition brings together the best images that press photography produced last year, presenting eye-witness accounts of world events, encouraging communication, debate and open dialogue across political and cultural barriers,” Mr Coles said.

The exhibition is divided into eight categories, with first prize in the Portrait category going to the only Australian winner, Raphaela Rosella from Queensland.

“Raphaela’s portrait captures a young Kamilaroi girl, Laurinda, from Moree in New South Wales, playing with her dress as she waits for the bus that will take her to Sunday school,” Mr Coles said.

“The story behind the portrait speaks of the many socially isolated young women in disadvantaged communities in Australia.

“This portrait is representative of how each of the winning entries provides eye-witness accounts on important world issues, offering powerful narratives that visitors will hopefully reflect and act on.”

Visitors to the World Press Photo 15 exhibition can access further background information on the images and photographers through a free online smartphone application. The relevant back stories can be accessed by Tap with NFC or QR-Code.

This free travelling exhibition will be on display at the WA Museum in Perth until 26 July before going to the Powerhouse Museum in Brisbane.

Media contact
Flora Perrella
Media and Communications Coordinator
Western Australian Museum
flora.perrella@museum.wa.gov.au