Two London-based photographers have been honored in the 2024 World Press Photographer Competition.
Aletheia Casey's photo book 'A Lost Place', which reflects Australia's climate change and bushfires, was chosen by the judges as one of the winning entries.
Leon Neal's photograph of the aftermath of the Supernova attack in Israel was given a “special mention”.
The judges said the entries “document some of the most pressing issues facing the world today” and “remind us of the need for a free press in every corner of the world.” Stated.
image source, aletheia casey
Lost Places was chosen by the jury as “an innovative story about the climate crisis from a deeply personal angle.”
The artist explained that the project conveys her “personal feelings of frustration and fear” over the bushfires in Australia in 2019 and 2020.
image source, aletheia casey
The photographer said: “I was watching the news about the fires in cold, gray London, dreading the inevitable outcome.
“Many years ago, I was involved in the Hunter Valley bushfires and I still remember the intense heat and the roar of the flames.
“While I was making this work, thoughts of this fire echoed in my head.”
image source, Mustafa Hassouna
For the first time, the jury awarded two photos with special awards.
“These two special mentions reflect the seriousness of the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, the extreme suffering of civilians, and its global political impact,” the panel said.
Commenting on the photo of Israeli security forces officers searching the venue of the Supernova music festival, Neil said: “I included this photo because I have participated and worked at many music events and music festivals over the years. , that scene was just one of those.” It was recognizable, even though it was a completely different situation. ”
He added: “It is a great honor to be selected and featured by such amazing photojournalists and their powerful work, especially Mustafa Hassouna's photographs that show the other side of this conflict.”
This is the first time in seven years that the World Press Photo Contest exhibition will be held in London.
It will be held from May 3rd to May 27th at Borough Yard, SE1.
