Report on the Grand Prize Selection Open-Committee Meeting of New Cosmos of Photography 2011 (34th competition)
Overview comments of judges
The five judges gave their feedback after the award presentation ceremony. Explaining his sense of anticipation when making the selection, Omori said: “I was very excited when I entered the room at Canon Headquarters where the entries were displayed in order to select the Excellence Award winner. I thought I would encounter works that would expand and even destroy concepts of photography,” and “I thought it would be better if I did not mix what I wanted to say with the photos. Photos are photos. I wanted to see more photos.” Sanai said he had expectations for the young talent. “The mind and feelings are not really related to photographs. Photographs have many good points, so I would like you to pursue them. I feel that Ms. Akashika won the Grand Prize due to the strength of her photos.” Next, Sawaragi sounded an alarm with: “ Photography is now facing challenges. It is necessary for each of you to think about what it means to continue taking photographs. Can you stimulate that part inside you that lies dormant, and somehow express it to the world? Photos that have been exposed to society will move completely separately from you. If you don’t clarify your reasons for shooting photos, you won’t be able to continue shooting.” He gave the evaluation that: “Ms. Akashika said that she is groping around for something within herself, and that shows in her photos.” Shimizu gave his appraisal saying: “Ms. Akashika’s photos I saw in the book were expressive. I felt they had real potential,” and “Patrick’s photos are easy to understand and are ironic, and they have a good feel of being crafted. I felt that it was very professional work. Mr. Kito’s works were based on shooting empty photos when one’s self is empty. I think that this is something that will have difficulty in reaching others though.” He also commented: “Mr. Okuyama’s and Ms. Yamada’s photos lack a personal connection, however, entrusting yourself to the appeal of the photo itself is also fine.” HIROMIX, who was the New Cosmos of Photography 1995 Grand Prize winner, said: “Winners of the Excellence Award will bear the expectations of many people from now on. The act of photographing what one desires is important, but I would also would like you to consider the perspective of the viewer when taking photos. Viewing photo books is a form of entertainment, and over the last 10 years there has been more and more awareness of the virtues of photography. Please take photos that meet the expectations of the world. I am looking forward to your future efforts.” He expressed these kind words to all of the winners.
