The theme focussed on challenging stereotypes and presenting contemporary visualizations that embrace democratic and inclusive ways of seeing the Arctic and the North. The chosen winners all embrace this element of polarity, showing interesting contrasts and contradictions in both the subject matter and artistic representation. A total of 51 photos were submitted from 25 different photographers.
The winners in the staff category are:
1st place: Michael Conti (University of Alaska Anchorage, Adjunct Instructor of Art and Photography)
Photo series: Joan Kane at White Alice; Young man with qajaq, Nuuk Greenland; Framework, Point Barrow.
This series of images conveys the theme perfectly. The images are insightful interpretations of the changes taking place in the Arctic and the human relationship to them.
2nd place: Seija Ulkuniemi (University of Lapland, Teacher of Art Education)
Photo: Endangered Species.
3rd place: Mari Parpala (University of Lapland, Designer)
Photo series: Vilma, a reindeer herder; Summer & Winter; Anyone There?
The winners in the student category are:
1st place: Nina Luostarinen (University of Lapland, Department of Art and Design)
Photo series: Ice and fire; Enjoyment of blue and red; Becoming bird (co-authored with Antti Kurola).
A closer look opens up many reflections on the relationship between man and nature, the posthumanistic dialogue between man and the non-humans.
2nd place: Esa Pekka Isomursu (University of Lapland, Faculty of Art and Design, Doctoral Candidate in the NACER Team)
Photo: Solar wind energy.
3rd place: Johanna Kurpat (University of Lapland, Faculty of Art and Design, Master of Arts (Art and Design), Arctic Art and Design)
Photo series: Illumination of snow – Enlichenment; Illumination of snow – Interaction with natural light phenomena; Illumination of snow – The cold and the heat
Congratulations!
View the gallery here.