The “world’s biggest photo competition,” CEWE Photo Award, has announced its 2023 winners. Indonesian photographer Dikye Ariani has been crowned the winner, and her striking photo captures a vivid scene from a day in a life.
Ariani took the photo in a traditional Indonesian café known as “Warung Kopi.” It stood out from an astonishing 509,612 entries, securing her the top spot in the competition. The image resonated deeply with both the jury and viewers worldwide, and it beautifully encapsulates the essence of a traditional Indonesian café. The central figure in the picture is the owner of a Warung Kopi, a place of friendship. The proprietress, the sole woman in the scene, welcomes the men from the village after a hard day’s work in the rice fields. They gather to enjoy coffee or tea and engage in a lively game of cards. As seen in the award-winning photo, the determined card player emerges as the winner of the game.
“Dikye Ariani impressively captures the atmosphere of a special moment with her photo,” said Jury president Michel Comte. “The outstanding composition of the image is striking in its depth and clear focus on the main character, who is surrounded by the other protagonists of the scene. A central, diffused light enhances the artistic composition and intensifies the impact of the image.”
Thomas Mehls, a board member of CEWE, expressed his admiration for the shot, saying it offers an “authentic glimpse into everyday life in Indonesia.” He added, “Her motif perfectly reflects the motto of the CEWE Photo Award: ‘Our world is beautiful.’ We are once again delighted by the unbroken enthusiasm for photography.”
While Ariani took the limelight, the contest also celebrates other category winners. At the PHOTOPIA photo fair, she and other winners received prizes for their work, ranging up to the 1,000th place.
It’s worth noting that the CEWE Photo Award is not just a recognition of artistic talent but also carries with it a noble cause. For every photo submitted, CEWE donated 10 cents to a charity. And this year, the amassed donation was 50,961 euros! It was directed towards an educational project in Somalia, overseen by the SOS Children’s Villages.
The CEWE Photo Award 2023 celebrates photographic artistry and underscores the power of collaboration for the greater good. I invite you to look at the category winners below and learn more about the contest on its website.
FIND THIS INTERESTING? SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!