International Photography Awards 2023
Introduction
In 2023, my work was recognised on a very prestigious stage in the world of photography: the International Photography Awards (IPA) - It is described as the Oscars of the photography world.
I submitted ten photographs, including Columna, Columna II, Entanglement, Hydra, In the Shadows, Lair, and Maelstrom. These works, born from my ongoing exploration of microscopic crystals of various substances in polarised light, were judged alongside an astonishing 260,000 entries from 14,000 photographers in 100 countries. The competition was judged by a panel of 80 international jurors, all leaders in their fields of photography, publishing, and fine art.
In September 2023, I was told that I had been awarded Non-Professional Fine Art Photographer of the Year, one of the 11 main category winners.
The trip to New York to celebrate and receive my trophy was both surreal and affirming: a recognition of my work, but also of the idea that art can emerge from unexpected places, in my case, the hidden crystalline worlds revealed in polarised light on a microscope that is older than I am.
“Fabulous luminosity of colours which complement each other beautifully to create forms that look organic even though they are created by mixing together among other things, household chemicals! There is a 3 dimensional feel which is created by juxtaposition of powerful shapes and colours. Wonderful wonderful wonderful!”
— David Clarke — Former Head of Photography, Tate