First prize - Oliver Kolding Palm, U30

The composition of the image is deliberately built on the strong contrast between light and shadow,
between the illuminated background and the shadowy foreground, creating a dramatic atmosphere and guiding the viewer
through the image.The large hat in the foreground serves as a powerful visual element that
captures attention and where we can find elements and textures that repeatthemselves within the composition.
The background offers a contrasting setting full of life and movement, while the line of string lights leads
the eye through the image. The combination of asymmetrical balance, atmospheric smoke, and a carefully considered
perspective that is slightly elevated creates an image that feels both mysterious and vibrant, full of depth and emotion.
As a viewer, I feel like a silent observer with a certain distance, yet closeenough to immerse myself deeply in the scene.
The visual language of the photo elevates the urban scene to a metaphorical level, where the play of light and shadow
becomes a narrative about hidden identities, fleeting moments, and the unspoken mystery of the moment.

Second prize - Isak Gudnason, U30

The photographer narrates cinematically about the anonymity and the rhythm of urban life.
It is a portrait of the modern individual in a world that is simultaneously connected and alienated.
The young man, immersed in his digital device, symbolises a detachment from the here and now as he moves through
physical space without truly being present. The environment is familiar to him, yet it holds no surprises—it is the routine
that dictates his life. The visual language of this image is rich in symbolism and creates a profound statement about life in
the modern city through the deliberate use of black-and-white contrasts, architectural lines, and the actions of the figures.
It is a commentary on urban isolation and transience, further enhanced by the visual simplicity and emotional depth of the composition. The language of the image speaks to the emptiness that lurks behind the facade of everyday life, and the longing for connection in a world that often feels distant and cold. The presence of the second person in the background does nothing to alter this.

A profound, impressive historical document.

Third prize - Simon Johannesson, U30

What kind of joy is being depicted here? Is it related to a situation occurring outside of the frame? Is this
simply a celebration, and if so, what is being celebrated? Life? An event? An anniversary? The end of a lockdown?
The image doesn’t provide answers, which is a sign of a successful piece of urban art, as it leaves the
interpretation to the viewer, allowing them to write their own story. The diagonal line of the building’s facade
guides the eye from the foreground, through the mid ground, to the background, seemingly endless, before
returning on the left side and finally arriving at the main protagonists, the kissing couple. Full of emotion and
passion, we do not know if they are celebrating the same as the other people on this street (like in the famous photo by
Eisenstaedt at the end of the war in NYC, which this image immediately reminded me of).

The longer you look at the image, the more layers and details emerge, making it truly fascinating and memorable.