With the new developments in media and technology, modern people’s reading habits tend to be more visual, and news images have become an important narrative form. World Press Photo Foundation was established in 1955 when a group of Dutch photographers organized an international competition to showcase their photography to a global audience. Over time, it has evolved into a large-scale, credible annual competition. The organizers hope to connect global audiences through photos and recognize media workers who discover news stories through their lenses.
The list of winners of the “2022 World Press Photo Contest” was finally announced recently, with 24 photographers from 23 countries winning awards. The award-winning works provide different perspectives from various corners of the world, showcasing brave stories, precious and diverse local cultures, and covering themes such as climate crisis, education issues, protection of indigenous customs, and local civil rights movements, expanding the global perspective of the audience. Below, we have selected some of the wonderful works for everyone to enjoy.
2022 Annual Photo
This photo was taken by Canadian photographer Amber Bracken, capturing the outskirts of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, where a red dress hangs on a cross, marking the graves of deceased children. In 2011, Winnipeg, Manitoba began hanging red dresses to protest the violence faced by Indigenous women and the pain caused by the Canadian residential school system for children. These residential schools were later exposed for abusing children, turning what was supposed to be a nurturing environment into their graveyard. Bracken brings this history to light through interviews and photography work.
Each cross represents a life that has passed, the photographer captures still and sorrowful scenes, revealing the weight of the soul. Surprisingly, despite the absence of any person in the photo, it unexpectedly broke the record for the best award-winning work in the competition for 67 years, becoming the first winning photo in the competition without the element of “people”.
Appreciation of award-winning works from other regions
If you would like to delve deeper into the stories behind each photo, or wish to fully appreciate more award-winning photography works, please feel free to visit the official website of the World Press Photo Contest.
Image source and learn more: World Press Photo Contest
