Vantage Point Sharjah 9 awards

Isik Kaya, Untitled I, 2020. From ‘Second Nature’. Digital print; 30 x 21 cm

Sharjah Art Foundation announced the winners of its inaugural photography prize at the opening of Vantage Point Sharjah 9 (VPS9) in Al Hamriyah Studios.

Presenting works by 53 photographers from 30 countries ad selected from more than 500 entries, the 2021 iteration of Vantage Point Sharjah features images in four categories – Conceptual, Experimental, Photojournalism and Documentary, and Staged Photography. The exhibition runs to 18 December, 9am to 9pm Saturday to Thursday, and 4pm to 90pm pm on Fridays. Admission is free but advance booking is required on site or at sharjahart.org.

The four category winners were selected by a jury of Ammar Al Attar (artist), Sham Enbashi (photographer and architect), M’hammed Kilito (photographer) and Alia Al Shamsi (author and artist).

Reyad Abedin: winner, Photojournalism and Documentary Photography category

“Abedin’s body of work transmutes a level of peacefulness and aesthetic beauty that not only captures the attention of the viewer but engages him/her to lose him/herself within the image that without words narrates a story.” Jury member Alia Al Shamsi

Devashish Gaur: winner, Experimental Photography category

“Gaur was often told that he shared the same character as his grandfather. He imbues his photographic series with this connection, depicting stories from his grandfather and addresses complex subjects like existence, balance and intimacy with loved ones lost.” Jury member Ammar Al Attar

Işık Kaya: winner, Conceptual Photography category

“Second Nature is an original project with a sophisticated visual language whose technical execution is exemplary. It stimulates and connects with the viewer’s intellect and emotions, inviting us to stop, engage, and want to discover more about the subject at hand.” Jury member M’hammed Kilito

Khadija Al Abyad: winner, Staged Photography category

“Successful works of staged photography are the ones that allow room for the naturally existing and the uncontrollable to exist simultaneously with the staged acts or compositions, while still conveying a coherent whole. I believe Al Abyad achieved that successfully.” Jury member Sham Enbashi


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