The Thousands

Before we’d even seen Perth photographer Alistair Dickinson‘s stuff, we read the intro of Not Far From Here, one of his photo series. Here, he writes of the "observations of melancholy, romanticism and hope" in his everyday Perth surroundings. In a less profound observation, his name sort of sounds like "Charles Dickens". Because really, it’s really none other than a Dickensian talent to be able to locate notions of romanticism in piles of scummy leaves, drooping indoor office plants and parking lots.

Dickinson’s photographic observations are attuned to the subtle side of life. He really gets into the cracks and crevices of his Perth shooting locations, which may have something to do with his day job as an architect. Get ready to recognise plenty of salt shakers, trees and footpaths that you’ve more than likely shaken, climbed and walked. Alistair’s just bagged himself the 2009 Contemporary Landscapes In Photography Award and, in celebration, is showing us a whole bunch of his new stuff, together with last years’ winner of the same title, Juha Tolonen. We’ve nothing but Great Expectations.