1854 Media, publisher of British Journal of Photography are pleased to announce the 200 shortlisted images of Portrait of Humanity Vol.3. Though a global pandemic has made many of us feel isolated, the faces and stories in this book – from people living in over 50 countries – are a testament to our collective will to connect, rebuild and keep going. From healthcare workers to protestors, joyful family reunions to chance meetings between strangers, they delve into a wide spectrum of experience, but give a lasting impression of that most vital common emotion: hope.
30 winning images from the selection will be supported by an international touring exhibition, travelling to Australia as part of PHOTO 2021, and next to Belfast Photo Festival. The images will be held in the city's Botanic Gardens from the 3 - 30 June.
Portrait of Humanity Vol. 3
Published 3 June 2021 by Hoxton Mini Press in collaboration with 1854 Media & British Journal of Photography, 320pp, 151mm x 199mm, £22.95, Hardback, ISBN 978-1-910566-94-7 P
Portrait of Humanity is a global award by 1854 Media, publisher of British Journal of Photography. An evolution of Portrait of Britain – an award focused on capturing the many faces of modern Britain – Portrait of Humanity was conceived to show that across oceans and borders, there is more that unites us than sets as apart. 1854 Media is an award-winning digital media organisation with a global audience of photographers, art lovers and industry experts.
At 1854’s core is British Journal of Photography, the world’s longest running photography title, which has been showcasing pioneers of the art form since 1854. It manifests in a monthly publication that takes an international perspective on contemporary photography, focusing on fine art and documentary, and the cutting edge of editorial and commercial practices. It has also created internationally renowned photography awards – including OpenWalls, Portrait of Britain™, Female in Focus, BJP International Photography Award, and Portrait of Humanity™ all of which aim to discover and promote new talent.
This is my friend Arouna. He fled from Mali, travelling across the Sahara Desert, and was detained in Libya before arriving in Italy. The NGO Caritas helped him apply for refugee status here. Arouna has taught me a lot. © Marco Carmignan, Portrait of Humanity 2021 Shortlist
by Lidia Sharapova Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Alex (right) grew up in a family of Jehovah’s Witnesses. When Alex came out as non-binary two years ago, they had to leave home and their relatives have not spoken to them since. Alex now lives with David, who has become their only family. © Lidia Sharapova, Portrait of Humanity 2021 Shortlist
by Natalija Gormalova Accra, Ghana
Rahina’s 11-year-old sister Rafia started working with her as a kayayei last year, carrying goods at the biggest second-hand clothes market in Accra. They live together in the Agbogbloshie slum. Rahina understands the dangers of where they live but doesn’t have another choice; it’s the cheapest place to rent and is very close to the market. She is grateful that her younger sister has joined her as they can eat and spend time together after work. © Natalija Gormalova, Portrait of Humanity 2021 Shortlist
by Dave Imms Dakar, Senegal
In February 2020, I was commissioned by a travel magazine to go to Senegal and shoot Dakar’s growing surf scene. Dekumba was one of a number of young people being taught by Rhonda Harper, founder of Black Girls Surf. I was only supposed to be at the surf school for an hour or so, meeting the students and photographing them, but I ended up spending my whole morning there. It was amazing to see so many happy, confident kids take to the water. © Dave Imms, Portrait of Humanity 2021 Shortlist
by Hannah Maule-ffinch London, UK
Chokat was being treated for Covid-19 at the Royal Free Hospital. She told me she wanted to die because she was in so much pain, but hoped desperately this image might show people how awful the virus can be. © Hannah Maule-ffinch, Portrait of Humanity 2021 Shortlist
Lhabhum is a Tibetan refugee who works in a care home for people with special needs. He had recently lost one of the residents to Covid-19. It was a huge blow. Here he sits with one of his four daughter’s. © Phoebe Theodora, Portrait of Humanity 2021 Shortlist
My friends, Marta and Alessio, sign the documents that will make them husband and wife. Between March and April 2020, 17,000 ceremonies were cancelled in Italy. This was one of the first post- lockdown weddings to take place. © Davide Bertuccio, Portrait of Humanity 2021 Shortlist
