Discovering Talent: From Selection Panellist to Advocate
Sometimes the most rewarding aspect of being a selection panellist isn’t just curating exhibitions—it’s discovering work that stays with you long after the selection process ends.
I first encountered Arrayah Loynd’s photography whilst serving as a selection panellist for Head On Photo Festival. Her work immediately stood out: conceptual, deeply personal, and technically accomplished. The series explored the female experience, memory, trauma, and neurodivergence through altered and manipulated imagery that felt both vulnerable and powerful.
We exhibited her work at Paddington Reservoir Gardens—in my opinion, the best Head On location. There’s something about that space: the interplay of light through the columns, the water, the sense of history contained within those Victorian-era walls. It’s a venue that demands strong work, and Loynd’s photography held its own beautifully.
Fast forward to today, and I’m genuinely pleased to see that Arrayah Loynd has been selected as a finalist for the Klompching Gallery Fresh Photo Award 2025 with her series All Roads Lead to Salvation.
Why Klompching Matters
For those unfamiliar, the Fresh Photo Award isn’t just another competition. Now in its 14th year, it’s presented by Klompching Gallery in New York—a gallery with a serious reputation for championing contemporary photography. Being selected as one of five finalists for their exemplary 3D virtual exhibition is significant recognition. It means your work has been curated to the highest standards and will receive international exposure to collectors, curators, and institutions.
The award represents more than a prize; it’s a validation of artistic vision and a platform that can genuinely shift a photographer’s career trajectory.
The Role of the Curator
This is what curatorial work is about: creating opportunities for artists to be seen, building connections between work and audience, and occasionally playing a small part in an artist’s journey. Serving on selection panels like Head On isn’t just about choosing images—it’s about recognising potential, taking risks on emerging voices, and trusting your instincts about what deserves to be shown.
Loynd’s progression from Head On to Klompching demonstrates exactly why these platforms matter. They create pathways. They build momentum.
Debra Klomp Ching