Natural Connections

About The Exhibition

Belfast Exposed is proud to present ‘Natural Connections’, an exhibition which showcases the 60 shortlisted winners of the ‘Natural Connections’ competition that took place earlier in the year. The photography competition, in partnership with Translink, aimed to capture the 'Natural Connections' which have sustained, surrounded, supported and encouraged people and communities since 23 March 2020, the first day of lockdown last year.

In the last year, 12 months that will leave a permanent memory on the lives of people around the world, a number of everyday life experiences have become an essential part of our wellbeing. The importance of nature in our lives, from a small flower in a garden to climbing a newly discovered hill, or just sitting on a beach listening to the waves, never before has the connection to nature become more crucial. Coupled with the challenges of lockdown, bubbles and restricted gatherings, the need for connections has become ever more craved.

“With nearly fourteen hundred photographs submitted from all over Northern Ireland to the 'Natural Connections competition', Belfast Exposed are overjoyed by the public’s response highlighting their love of all things natural and how engaging with it can support our well-being. The quality of the submissions made for a very difficult selection to edit the shortlisted artists and eventual winner. The partnership with Translink and support from Arts & Business have been an enriching process for us as an arts organisation, and we are grateful for the support of Heather McLachlan (Director for Northern Ireland, National Trust) and Professor Siobhan O’Neill (Interim Mental Health Champion).” - Deirdre Robb, CEO, Belfast Exposed.

The competition was open to all ages, wishing to capture through photography our ‘Natural Connections’, the link between nature and connecting in the last year. With all 1,365 submissions now compiled, and 60 shortlisted, 6 finalists and an overall winner selected by a panel of judges, Belfast Exposed presents the Natural Connections exhibition with all 60 shortlisted images on display.

The judging panel included Professor Siobhan O’Neill (Interim Mental Health Champion), Heather McLachlan (Director for Northern Ireland, National Trust), Gordon Milligan (Deputy CEO, Translink) and Deirdre Robb (CEO, Belfast Exposed).

Six finalists, across 6 categories, will receive a high-quality print of their photograph, with one overall winner being announced during the exhibition opening, and later on social media across Belfast Exposed and Translink. The winner will receive a £200 voucher from WEX photo, a £100 Belfast Exposed gift voucher, and a Translink iLink Card (with credit for 4 weeks travel) to make new natural connections.

Images (from left to right)

- Laura Kelly (@5degreeswest)
- Pato Cassinoni (@patriciocassinoni)
- Joanne Monteith (@atouchofnaturalbeauty)
- Alix Ross (@alixrossphotography)
- Janice Reid
- Niall Boyle (@niallboylephotography)

'Natural Connections' is in partnership with Translink and Arts & Business Northern Ireland.