Best Photograph - 2024

Best Photograph - 2024

Michel Soufia
Michel Soufia
Ecstasy, Printed on Fine Art Cold Press, 50x35, 2019
Emerging from street photography – a genre that records everyday life in a public place, the image captures a poignant moment that otherwise have slipped into obscurity. The focal point of the photograph is a pianist – her performance infuses the scene with emotional resonance. With closed eyes, her countenance assumes an almost ethereal aura. Her outstretched hands meld seamlessly with the keys, forging at intimate connection with the instrument. The audience is represented – some tilt their heads in contemplation, while others remain absorbed in silent observation. Notably, none of the figures acknowledge the presence of the photographer, their attention wholly consumed by the performance unfolding before them. Yet, amidst this dynamic tableau, two images adorning the walls with piercing gazes, invite further dialogue transcending the confines of the depicted scene.

Shot initially in a digital color camera and later developed in black and white, carries profound intentionality. The absence of color serves to evoke emotions, while adeptly subduing distractions. This decision further accentuates the intricacy of layers. At the forefront lies the audience, positioned as the initial layer within the composition’s framework. Beyond them, suspended works of art occupy a secondary plane. Occupying a pivotal role, the figure of the pianist emerges as a third layer. Yet, it is within the fourth layer, manifested in the subtle reflection upon the window’s surface, where the composition’s complexity unfolds. Here, amidst the interplay of light and shadow, the silhouette of a tree emerges, acting as a symbolic gateway to deeper realms of introspection.

Michel Soufia, a psychiatrist, turned to photography at a young age, finding solace in capturing the intricacies of life. His work, which blends light, shadow, and high contrast, delves into the complexities of the human emotional state – a realm intimately intertwined with his clinical endeavors. His photographs transcend mere visual documentation – they emerge as emotional pilgrimages guided by the psyche.
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