A Journey to First Place: International Photography Awards 2024 Win
I am beyond thrilled to share some exciting news from one of the most prestigious photography competitions in the world. The International Photography Awards (IPA), known for its 20+ year legacy of spotlighting talent from across the globe, has not only recognized all three of my submissions with the esteemed “Official Selection” title but has also awarded me First Place in the Special/AI Generated Images category for Non-Professionals!
This year, as a first-time entrant, I had the privilege of competing among some of the best photographers and artists in the industry. Winning First Place is a tremendous honor and a testament to the growing recognition of the potential that AI brings to the artistic process.
The Winning Project: Feels surREAL
The project that won First Place, titled Feels surREAL, is a deeply personal exploration of mental health disorders, including Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Dissociative Disorder, OCD, PTSD, and Schizophrenia. Through a combination of photography, surrealism, and AI tools like MidJourney, I aimed to blur the lines between reality and imagination. The result? A visual representation of the emotional landscapes these mental health struggles create.
Each image in the project is designed to provoke thought and encourage conversations around mental health—an issue that is often left in the shadows but affects so many. The emotional depth captured through the integration of AI and art makes this project particularly meaningful to me, as it draws from both personal experiences and in-depth research. I wanted to create a space where viewers could reflect on the complexity of mental health and, perhaps, find a connection with the emotional layers presented in each piece.
A Global Stage for AI Art
Being recognized by the IPA for an AI-generated project in the Special category is especially humbling. The field of AI in art is still met with some skepticism, but it is competitions like this that signal the art world’s readiness for evolution. The blending of AI and creativity allows for new, innovative expressions that challenge traditional boundaries, and I am proud to be a part of this movement.
A Year of Hard Work and Gratitude
The journey to creating Feels surREAL began about a year ago, and seeing it come to life—and gain recognition on such a global stage—has been truly rewarding. I am grateful to the IPA Jury for this honor and for supporting the integration of new technologies in the art world. I believe that as art evolves, we can craft experiences that are both groundbreaking and emotionally resonant.
You can find more information and the artworks here.