The adage goes: ‘A picture speaks a thousand words'. The powerful photographs captured in a youth art and photographic competition this month aim to highlight and raise awareness of issues surrounding violence among youth.

Coinciding with White Ribbon Day on November 20, the ‘Click! When Love Turns Sour' photography competition and exhibition at The Incubator is led by Indian business student Nishant Chaudhary.

Indian Business student Nishant Chaudhary takes a photo for the competition. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

'I was surprised to see and hear around my neighbourhood and friends about teen abusive relationships, and that it happened in such a nice country like New Zealand,” says Nishant.

'The purpose of the photographic competition and exhibition is to raise awareness of young abusive relationships, not only with a significant other, but among family environments and peers as well.”

Bay of Plenty writer, poet and ARTbop alternative editor Dhaivat Mehta is also involved in the initiative.

'It will be an opportunity for young people to express this unheard issue and hopefully the exhibition will bring the community together to raise awareness.”

The competition and exhibition is supported by Shakti Ethnic Women's Support Group and The Maori Women's Welfare league.

'The Incubator is proud to be working with Shakti Ethnic Women's Refuge and the Maori Women's Welfare league to raise awareness of this problem faced by some young people,” says The Incubator director Simone Anderson.

'The exhibition of photographs will be a curious experiment of expression and we're looking forward to it.”

Youth aged 13-24 are encouraged to enter their photographs on mobile phone only and no faces or graphic imagery are to be shown.

Entries will be judged by an anonymous panel, on the criteria of intention, execution and artistic integrity.

The finalists and winners will be announced on November 20. The top 30 finalists will exhibit their work at The Incubator on November 20, at 5.30pm. Free entry.

First prize is a $100 voucher for JB Hi-Fi, second prize is a $75 voucher for The Warehouse third prize is a $50 voucher for The Warehouse.

Submissions close November 8, and must include a title, photo description and contact details. Participants can submit their entries at clickphotography003@gmail.com or via text to 022 401 0522.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/shaktiyouthtauranga