Report on the Grand Prize Selection Open-Committee Meeting of New Cosmos of Photography 2006 (the 29th competition)
Aaward presentation ceremony
At the award presentation ceremony, Tetsuo Hirasawa, senior general manager of Corporate Communication Center of Canon Inc., presented a certificate of commendation and a list of prizewinners to M-Kaze on behalf of the twenty-eight Honorable Mention winners and group entrant, and five Excellence Work Award winners and group entrant. At the Grand Prize presentation ceremony, Mr. Hirasawa presented Kozue Takagi with a certificate of commendation and a list of prizewinners, then Akiko Ozawa, the Grand Prize winner of the previous year, gave her a bouquet.
Overview comments of judges
When the final selection meeting was over, Kotaro Iizawa said, “I feel that Japanese photographers have latent power. This year’s finalists are all worthy of the Grand Prize.” Boris Mikhailov’s warm message is, “I want to say congratulations to everyone who is trying new ways of expression, including Grand Prize winner Kozue Takagi.” While the judges were making comments, Nobuyoshi Araki interrupted joking , “The shorts that Ms. Takagi was wearing were very good.” Then, responding to this, Fumio Nanjo said, “That is not the reason why she’s won the Grand Prize.” Then the audience roared with laughter. Mr. Nanjo continued saying, “Each candidate is unique in character, so the judges had serious discussions. I congratulate Ms. Takagi on winning the Grand Prize.” Lastly, Katsuhiko Hibino said, “I heard that New Cosmos of Photography is seeking possibilities for new forms of expression, but it is no laughing matter. Artists don’t have to worry about that, but they should be in pursuit of themselves. That’s most important.” He wanted to encourage everyone to pursue self-expression.
Expectations for Kozue Takagi’s next work
Kozue Takagi will give a solo exhibition of her new work as the Grand Prize winner of the year 2006 at the Exhibitions of New Cosmos of Photography 2007 to be held in the new year. When Kotaro Iizawa asked her at the time of her presentation if the concept of her subsequent work would be the same, she answered that the concept would be different. Her next work will certainly have a content that is filled with her spirit of inquiry.
