Photography ProtégésYoung Surrealists Heide Photography Competition
Oliva Cotton, Glasses 1937, printed 1999, gelatin silver photograph, 25.1 x 18.3 cm (image), 30.5 x 25.3 cm (sheet), courtesy the Mcinerney Family and Josef Lebovic Gallery, Sydney
Man Ray and Max Dupain brings together more than 200 artworks by two leading surrealist photographers. Both artists experimented with surreal imagery, inventive darkroom techniques and creative collaborations that expanded the possibilities of photography.
You can visit Heide to experience this exhibition and use it as inspiration for your own entry. Look closely at how these artists played with perspective, light and form, and then try out your own surreal approach to photograph. Capture something unexpected, a reflection that surprises, a shadow that transforms, an angle that makes the familiar appear strange.
The competition will be divided into a junior category for 7–11 year olds and a senior category for 12–17 year olds. Judged by the Heide exhibitions team, the winner of each category will receive a new digital camera!
How to Enter
- Take an original photograph inspired by the work of surrealist photographers Man Ray and Max Dupain.
- Submit your entry via email to info@heide.com.au by 5pm on 2 November 2025 with the subject line ‘Photography Protégés’ and your name.
- Include your:
– Name and age
– Parent or guardian contact details
– The title of your photo
– Up to 100 words about your idea
Please note: Parent or guardian consent is required for all entrants.
Winners will be notified by email or phone within one week of the draw and announced on Heide’s Instagram.
Selected entries will be shared on Heide’s social media channels with credit to the photographers.