cizucu creative awards 2024 sponsored by Epson - Winner Announcement | Release #475

cizucu Selection Committee
At first glance, this image captures the essence of a celebratory moment befitting an annual award. Despite the low noise, the balance between shadows and highlights is well-maintained, and the placement of fireworks and the curves of the roller coaster effectively guide the viewer's gaze. Each element harmonizes to create a well-composed image with a sense of scale, showcasing high technical skill.

cizucu Selection Committee
Mount Fuji, seen from a perspective not usually witnessed, evokes a sense of awe and reverence. The skill in capturing and editing this image is evident, with the texture of the foreground terrain standing out prominently, exuding a dignified presence. In contrast, the background clouds and sky appear hazy, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. This intentional contrast reflects the photographer's deep connection to Mount Fuji, reminiscent of an ink painting's color palette.

cizucu Selection Committee
The deep green that characterizes the entire photograph, the shimmering water surface, and the light that falls solely on the person create an impression that is both mystical and surreal, akin to an abstract painting. Yet, the person standing on the left functions as an "alien" in this world, almost detached from the confines of reality, suggesting that this is indeed a world that exists somewhere today. This balance left a lasting impression.

cizucu Selection Committee
This monochrome photograph holds significant meaning. The contrast is well-adjusted, preserving the texture of the fur and antlers even in the shadows, and highlights are strategically placed. These elements convey the photographer's strong conviction. This deer exudes a serene strength, reminiscent of a general wearing a helmet, having weathered many battles.

cizucu Selection Committee
The vast grassland, the adorned horse, and the boy's features evoke a sense of East Asian essence. The boy's calm expression, with his hands off the reins, suggests a daily trust with the horse, offering an interpretation of a work that includes cultural backgrounds of a liberated environment and coexistence with nature, distinct from modern society.

cizucu Selection Committee
The softness of the feathers, the graceful curves, and the smooth pink gradation of this completed creature's beauty resemble a meticulously crafted sculpture. Moreover, the photographer's sensitivity, reflected in the handling of light, composition, and focus, elevates it into a rhythmic and graphical photographic work. This is a remarkable piece that embodies both the beauty found in nature and the beauty reconstructed through the photographer's human sensibility.

cizucu Selection Committee
This work may evoke different interpretations, whether it symbolizes loneliness or salvation. The contrast between towering inorganic skyscrapers and a solitary human presence seems to symbolize the loneliness and powerlessness humans feel towards the city. Alternatively, the angle where two people stand together in the shadow of the dark building, with light shining upon them, suggests a glimpse of salvation in the dark city.

cizucu Selection Committee
This work, where cactus spines and fence wires intersect, evokes the tension between nature and artificial objects. The monochrome tone accentuates this contrast, conveying the texture of the vibrant cactus and the coldness of the inorganic fence both visually and tactilely. When considering the selection of photographs capturing materials, one cannot avoid contemplating the coexistence and symbiosis between nature and artificial objects. In this context, the cactus seemingly engulfing the fence symbolically represents this theme.

cizucu Selection Committee
The scale of the assembled steel structures initially evokes a sense of unreality, reminiscent of a fictional film depicting a futuristic city. Upon closer inspection, while human figures are absent, cranes, railings, and scaffolding suggest the presence of people working there. Additionally, the distant view of the harbor and city lights function as elements connecting it to the real world. This intriguing image visually captures the industry and human endeavors of constructing such a seemingly impossible scale of structures.

cizucu Selection Committee
This work elevates the daily process of meals into a photographic fragment, revealing the richness of life and the photographer's emotions. Although no people are visible, the traces of human presence, such as a rice paddle, a half-drunk bottle, and freshly cooked rice, suggest the lives of those who inhabit this space. I imagined a warm-hearted person, full of life.

cizucu Selection Committee
The hand-formed rice ball, or onigiri, holds a significance beyond mere food for Japanese people. It is a companion for events like excursions and sports days, a travel companion, and sometimes shared in times of need. The aged hand in the photograph, seemingly infusing the rice ball with intention, elevates it into an onigiri. This simple motif prompted a return to the origins, which would not have been possible without this work. Thank you.

cizucu Selection Committee
The dishes on the table, the partially eaten plates, the hands, and the movement of chopsticks all suggest lively interactions. The warm tones and textures of the film evoke the universal experience of "joyful meal memories," stirring sentimental emotions in the viewer. This reminds us that meals are not just about fulfilling physiological needs but are also a vital and praiseworthy act in human society, where people connect with one another.

cizucu Selection Committee
Love can be something born within the scope of individuals, such as lovers, family, or pets, but this work seems to capture love for the broader human world. The couple dancing hand in hand, the sky draped in the hues of dusk, and the slow, fluid passage of time can all be felt. The setting sun marks the boundary between the end of the day and the beginning of the night, a special time when people are freed from the fatigue of daily life.

cizucu Selection Committee
The out-of-focus smile of a child resembles a cherished memory in the heart, prioritizing the atmosphere and emotions over details. The gaze through the lens is not merely for capturing a "good photo," but rather to embrace the happiness of the moment, preserving an irreplaceable time for the future self and the child. This work reflects the love directed towards the subject, capturing it reflexively.

cizucu Selection Committee
The father holds a bubble blower, while the child holds a camera. At first glance, it seems like their roles are reversed. However, upon closer inspection, the child appears captivated by the bubbles floating in front of them. The focus suggests that the photographer hurriedly captured this moment, not wanting to miss it. The natural movement of the subjects, the photographer's urgency, and the ephemeral nature of the bubbles all convey a sense of "love."

Epson Selection Committee
This work captures the tranquility and fantasy of the forest with its striking contrast of green and black and symmetrical composition. The reflection in the water, which occupies half of the frame, holds a hint of eeriness, while the vibrant green provides a sense of comfort. The small cabin and people resting by the lakeside enhance the reality, blurring the line between reality and fantasy with masterful framing. There are no unnecessary elements in the frame; everything is worthy of being the main subject. It draws in every viewer, evoking a desire to take a deep breath as if being there. An utterly captivating piece.

To takigawa_kris_s, we present the Epson Pro Selection "SC-PX1VL" for high-quality printing of your work.

What did you think?

As we reviewed approximately 200,000 works submitted in 2024, we were once again filled with gratitude and respect for the encounter with all the wonderful creators. We were truly inspired by your unique perspectives on the world.

There may be differing opinions on the establishment of awards. For every winner, there are those who do not win. However, we will always continue to focus on your unique piece. Our intention is for this to ripple out into the world like a drop, eventually becoming a culture.

We look forward to your continued support of cizucu!