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“In photography there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.” Fared Stieglitz’s sentiment seems to be reflected in the images of best established and emerging photographers in the forthcoming show, the 2014 Sony World Photography Awards exhibition at Somerset House, London. The Sony Photography Awards is widely recognised as the leading global photographic awards programme dedicated to supporting and cultivating photographic culture.
Through a range of annual competitions and special events, the event which was established eight years ago, discovers new talents in the world of photography while uniting some of the best photographers throughout the world.
The winning and short-listed photographers deliver through their breathtaking works a diverse display of topics and media and mirror the most ground-breaking international contemporary photography created over the last year. The one-month long exhibition has been curated by Michael Benson of Candlestar and opens this May.
The exhibition documents scenes which evoke strong emotions and engages the audience with, the sometimes disturbing, aspects of reality such as an powerful image of domestic abuse by American photographer Sara Naomi Lewkowicz; the exposure of the secret Camorra crime syndicate and the Guy Martin’s images at the recent Instabul protest.
Spanning a variety of topics depicted by strong images, British photographers present post-race portraits of jockeys by Spencer Murphy, stunning still life photography by Bristol-based photographer Amanda Harman and Mary Turner’s captivating series looking at the very British institution of pantomime dames.
The exhibition is also infused with humour ,offering a welcome breath of fresh air and some light relief – a series of portraits of dogs caught during their least favourite activity, the “comical moment” of bath time by French photographer Sophie Gamand.
As an addition to these works, the Photography Awards exhibition examines the world-renowned career of the very well-established American photographer Ellen Mark – some of her most iconic documentary, striking portraiture pieces and recent prints including Indian Circus and Streetwise will be shown accompanied by films produced by film-maker Martin Bell. It is worth mentioning that Ellen Mark will be paid tribute by receiving the 2014 Sony World Photography Awards’ Outstanding Contribution to Photography award.
The work of William Klein, is also an integral part of the exhibition, showcasing photographer’s newest body of work entitled Brooklyn. The work is a landmark departure for Klein as, for the first time, he has produced a series entirely in digital format. It sees Klein return to his native roots to document the city of Brooklyn – capturing the boardwalk of Coney Island to courthouses and the gritty streets of the city, the resulting images are classic Klein.
Alongside these art pieces, a select group of international photo agency Panos Pictures features images from the new Passinho dance style sweeping the favelas of Rio to the daily, and extraordinary, life along the banks of Bramhaputra River in India.
Ultimately, in a world that moves so fast Photography Awards exhibition is a challenging and inspiring show which gives the viewer a chance to pause and reconsider the well-documented scenes and moments of our everyday lives.
by Xenia Founta
Exhibition takes place from May 1–18, 2014 at East and West Wing, Somerset House, Strand, London,WC2R 1LA
Tickets: £7.50 / £5 concessions
Opening times: Saturday – Monday 10.00 to 18.00, Tuesday – Friday 10.00 to 21.00
You can book tickets here