Through the lens of...
See through the lens of 10 impressive photographers
World Photography Day: a day we’re highlighting at the Wereldmuseum to inspire and be inspired. We’re celebrating the stories told through photographs and their creators. See through the lens of three featured winners of our photography competition.
Header photo: Sethi Djegane Gueye - Dakar 2021
'“simply stand there, watch, and be open to another person’s world”'
Khalid Abdou (23, Amsterdam): “During my solo trip to Hong Kong in 2024, I was overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the city. Everyone seemed to be in their own world. Until I saw this group of men, completely absorbed in a board game called Xiangqi, Chinese chess. Without words, but with shared attention, I watched for hours. I didn’t understand the game, but I felt an unexpected connection. This moment taught me that global citizenship sometimes begins with simply standing still, watching, and being open to another person’s world.' '
Stories of the archipelago
Albert Stevanus:''During my expedition to the Mentawai Islands, I had the rare chance to witness and document the lives of the Sikerei, traditional shamans who embody deep spiritual ties with nature. One photo captures the Turuk Langgai dance, where movements imitate animals, reflecting harmony with the environment and cultural wisdom passed through generations. The second and third image features two Sikerei by a waterfall—symbols of resilience amid a declining tradition. Few young people choose this path today due to its many taboos. Through these photos, I hope to spark curiosity, respect, and a renewed appreciation for this living heritage.''
Loss and progress
Rosa van der Linden (27, Amsterdam): “To me, global citizenship means looking with curiosity at what different physical spaces reveal about history, the future and identity. In Imsouane, a coastal town in Morocco, I was struck by a distinctive, elusive visual language: artistic buildings with shapes and colours that seem both random and carefully considered. Imsouane is in a transitional phase, caught between the recent, unannounced demolition work by the local council and the emergence of distinctive new buildings. In my view, this creates a beautiful aesthetic: a tension between loss and progress, intention and randomness. The photograph depicts a space that speaks of the memory, development and redefinition of Imsouane, and of places all over the world.''
CURIOUS ABOUT THE OTHER WINNING ENTRIES?
You can find all 10 photos/photo series and stories in the full article.
