The Five Finalists for the Parliament of World Religions Photo Contest
With submissions now closed for our inaugural photo contest, we are sincerely appreciative of all 60 participants. The photos, in their rich variety and imagination, illustrate a tremendous wealth of sources of hope. We have been so grateful to be able to share these visual capsules of hope with you, many of which you will find on our Instagram and Facebook pages. Perhaps you will even find a reason to hope in one of the inspiring photos.
The 60 photos come from participants all over the world and represent a beautifully diverse selection of the world’s religious traditions, helping create a great variety in the images submitted. From wildlife to sacred spaces, from a burning Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh to children coloring together at a multifaith school in Lebanon, from social protests to celebratory life events, the consistently talented and heartfelt submissions to our inaugural photo contest speak to the common concerns arising from the human condition and our shared experience.
The five finalists for the contest will have their photographs displayed during the 2023 Parliament of World Religions Convening (August 14th to 17th) in the event’s Main Art Gallery. With five finalists left, we need your help selecting the winners. You can now cast one vote per day in support of your favorite photograph. Cast your vote for hope!
Congratulations to the five finalists!
“The Hizol Tree”
The Hizol Tree, a crucial component of the Southeast Asian wetlands' ecosystem, is threatened by climate change. The tree can tolerate high levels of salinity and is an excellent indicator of the health of wetlands. Unfortunately, rising sea levels and the changing climate threaten the tree’s habitat. Salinity levels are increasing, making it difficult for the tree to survive. The rise in temperatures also affects the tree's ability to grow and reproduce.
“The Hizol Tree, known as Barringtonia acutangula, at Son Beel, Asia's Second Largest Wetland, during sunset, was a captivating moment that inspired me. The tree's graceful form against the tranquil wetland setting was awe-inspiring. I aimed to freeze the ethereal hues of the setting sun reflecting upon the serene waters.
Photography allows me to connect deeply with nature and share its beauty. Through my lens, I strive to showcase landscapes, colors, and details that evoke appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. The Hizol Tree's ability to survive both dry and wet seasons symbolizes nature's resilience.”
“Confessional”
A confessional is transformed into a space for an encounter between a Muslim artist, Calimaat, and a queer artist, B.TCA. The open confessional invited passengers in the city center of Vienna, Austria to rethink this religious symbolism and to participate in its creative makeover. It invited people from diverse backgrounds to meet and enter dialogue, giving hope for a more peaceful and understanding world.
“This picture captures an encounter within a rather unusual, interreligious space. Capturing this moment was important, as it highlights the joy and peace that can come out of overcoming boundaries. This picture gives hope that people can come together and find common ground through creative processes—transforming the world for the better. Photography is one medium that has the power to spread such messages and emotions cross-culturally, operating as an agent for hope.”
The photo is submitted through an initiative by the interreligious organization The Upper-Room (Austria) as part of the 2023 Vienna DAHAM Festival.
“Amidst the Chaos, There is Still Hope”
A few years ago, while taking photographs at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, David saw these three men placing their prayers, written onto paper, into the wall. He was struck by how each of them had unique hopes and dreams, and yet, they were united in this ancient, holy space.
“I took this photo because it captured two powerful juxtapositions: The people: Three individuals, each with seemingly different needs, were unified in prayer and a belief in the power of Jerusalem's Western Wall. They added their prayers to thousands of others, which were stuffed into the crevices between the stones. The graphic play of the figures and stone: The three figures were butted up against an imposing and ancient wall. This contrast of scale and texture kept my eye moving throughout the entire scene.
Photography gives me an outlet to express myself in a way that I cannot through words.”
“The Smile of Hope”
Sports photography can also have religious subjects, interpretations, and meanings. And that’s what Arpan does with his photograph “The Smile of Hope,” which shows a brick kiln worker donning an infectious smile dirtied perhaps playing rugby or perhaps from their job. In Arpan’s setting in West Bengal, rugby has the potential to take on meaning beyond sports.
“Rugby is a game I always love to watch and appreciate. Rugby is gaining popularity in my state West Bengal, India. Through my lens, I am trying to narrate a true story. The protagonist of that story is Rugby. I am currently working on a project that reflects how Rugby can change the lives of the Subalterns. The photo titled ‘The Smile of Hope’ is one from my above-mentioned project to narrate how rugby is bringing hope to the life of a brick kiln worker. Rugby can make the myth real, make a Phoenix rise from the ashes of all the difficulties. This photo is a message that myth comes with true magic.”
“In the Lens of Unity”
Justin’s photo expertly captures a gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) from the window of a mosque to show the beauty of diversity in a single frame. In this frame, Justin sees more fundamental values.
“Through a single frame, this image clearly shows the beauty of religious diversity and acceptance…Photography allows me to tell a story to people around me, and people beyond my circle. This profession offers a fresh perspective through visuals. By using my lens to remove a 'physical' distance between two places of worship, I tried to convey a message of unity, besides promoting understanding among people of different faiths. This power of photography to dismantle barriers and foster compassion is what I cherish most about this art form.”
Beginning August 1st, you can vote for your favorite photo once per day. The three photographers with the most votes will receive cash prizes: First Prize, $250; Second Prize, $150; Third Prize, $100. Individuals who participate in the voting process during the Parliament Convening will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a print of one of the finalist's pictures.
Again, we extend our thanks to all participants and eagerly await the Parliament of World Religions to celebrate and acknowledge the talent showcased in this photo contest. Stay tuned for updates and announcements regarding the winners!