This striking painting captures a scene that could be located in any number of seaside communities in New England. A ghostly figure stands alone in what looks like a coastal dune field. The golden grass and bright blue sky evoke the feeling of being near the ocean on a clear autumn day. This work stands out because it turns a familiar landscape into something mysterious. The sheet could hide anyone - child or adult - making us wonder about the figure's identity and purpose. While the setting feels local and recognizable, the ghostly presence adds an unexpected twist. The artist's skillful rendering of the cloth's folds and the texture of the dune grass brings realism to this surreal scene. It's a simple image that sparks the imagination, transforming an everyday coastal view into something thought-provoking. The painting invites us to see the potential for wonder in familiar places, leaving a memorable impression of our local environment tinged with an air of mystery. The ambiguity of the figure's size and identity further enhances the work's intrigue, allowing viewers to project their interpretations onto this silent, shrouded presence standing at the edge of the sea and sky.

- John Andrews, Guest Juror

This artist skillfully uses light and shadow to create contrast, emphasizing the strange nature of the scene. A jagged line runs through the image, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. The detailed rendering of the creature and the window structure showcases the artist's technical ability.

What makes this work stand out to me is how it combines everyday elements with the impossible. It transforms an ordinary urban night into something extraordinary, challenging our perception of reality. The black-and-white palette gives the piece a cinematic quality, evoking classic films and adding to its nostalgic appeal.This feels like a film I remember, but I can not recall the name.

For those who grew up with a love of cinema, this painting may trigger memories of late-night movies and cult classics. It invites multiple interpretations, leaving a lasting impression by blending the familiar with the bizarre. The result is a thought-provoking image that lingers in the mind, much like a memorable scene in a forgotten film.

- John Andrews, Guest Juror

This black and white photograph captures four shrouded figures against a black background. The figures are covered in white cloth, creating a stark contrast with the dark surroundings. They're arranged in a line, with subtle differences in their shapes and stances.

I'm drawn to ethereal black and white images, and this one is particularly compelling. The pure black backdrop emphasizes the ghostly quality of the white-draped forms.

What's intriguing is how the sheets conceal all identity. These could be anyone - or anything - underneath. The lack of context due to the black background adds to the mystery.

The image balances playfulness with an eerie undertone. It reminds me of both childhood ghost games and more serious artistic explorations.

It's the type of photograph that lingers in your mind, prompting questions about what you're really seeing. The simplicity of the composition - just white shapes on black - creates a powerful and memorable visual.

This image cleverly uses minimal elements to maximum effect, resulting in a scene that's both familiar and strange.

- John Andrews, Guest Juror