Lora Moore-Kakaletris’ haunting photograph Andreas was chosen as the 2014 recipient of the CIBC Wood Gundy Emerging Photography Award for Best Overall Submission during the RMG’s annual fundraiser, RMG Exposed. The black and white photograph shows a boy either reaching up or shielding himself from something above. The subject is centered in what may or may not be water; the dark, aqueous substance adds to the images’ evocative nature. The purpose of the Emerging Photography Award is to raise awareness of contemporary photographers and each year an exhibition is held during the month of May to link with the Scotiabank CONTACT Photographic Festival.
Drawn to water for its calming qualities and inspired by the mystery and momentary escape from reality that submerging oneself in water allows, Lora Moore-Kakaletris’ Water series began in her backyard pool. Her first underwater image was taken with her camera wrapped in a ziplock bag. It is during the quiet times submerged under water and momentarily hidden from the chaos and noise of family life, that figures and shapes begin to appear to Moore-Kakaletris. Often photographing children at play, layers of reality previously hidden from sight come to life, creating feelings of familiarity and comfort. These black and white images are intended to offer the viewer a glimpse into the realities and fragments of life often hidden from view below the surface. Yet they also reference the past: it is not difficult to imagine Shakespeare’s Ophelia in works such as Zoe, Chiara orKiana. Indeed, the inherent drama in the works is intentional as Moore-Kakaletris makes use of black and white photography in order to eliminate possible background distractions forcing the viewer to concentrate on the subjects.
Oakville resident, Lora Moore-Kakaletris has won numerous awards for her photography including winning images for the Oakville Camera Club, the CPS Juried Photography exhibition, and the National Association of Professional Child Photographers. Water is her first solo exhibition.