Indian photographer Prarthna Singh claiming the first prize of the PHmuseum 2021 Mobile Photography Prize for a poignant image of her mother practicing her daily exercises during lockdown last year. "It tells you a lot about life during the pandemic: self-isolation, physical distancing, shrinking social space. But yet, Prarthna Singh manages to find a beautiful moment during this frustrating time. The result is an engaging contrast: the bird-view angle that strengthens the feeling of solitude and distant even in a domestic scene, while the color composition—the pink dress, roof and fence; plus the green grass sprinkled by flower petals—creates a poetic, happy tone." - Cristian Rahadiansyah
Photo © Prarthna Singh. 2021 Mobile Photography Prize 1st Prize winner
Judge Sara Urbaez discusses the jury’s choice: “I'm deeply moved by Pranarth’s image titled Mother. This ordinary moment seems to transcend space and time with its exquisite lighting and perspective. In many ways, this simple moment captures the feeling of lockdown during the pandemic. It’s disorienting and the sense of longing is palpable. The way the color pink vibrates throughout the image is striking and adds to the complexity. I am truly in awe of how all the different elements work together to elevate mobile photography to a different dimension."
Photo © Stephanie Noritz. 2021 Mobile Photography Prize 2nd Prize winner
"This image is so well deserving of recognition, for its nuances and beauty that invite the viewer to reflect on representation. Through lighting and placement, each person in the image stands well on their own but is also seamlessly interwoven, showing the interconnectivity of all those pictured. The thoughtfulness in the image demonstrates how mobile photography can memorialize our loved ones in a striking and artful way that’s both complex and delightful. The more time I spend with the image, the more details start to appear." - Sara Urbaez
Photo © Mithai Afrige Chowdhury. 2021 Mobile Photography Prize 3rd Prize winner
Mithai Afrige Chowdhury's image of a child hugging a healthcare worker through plastic embodies the extraordinary moment we are living through. There is a hopefulness in the girl as she's smiling and holding flowers in her hand. Yet, she and the flowers are shrouded in plastic. What drew me to this image is the tension between hope from the girl, the stoicism of the man, and the plastic barrier between them. The quality of light and the reflection of the plastic gives the image an almost painterly quality." - Alana Celii
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