110 PHOTOGRAPHERS AND MORE THAN 500 SHOTS ON THE WEBSITE, THE DIGITAL EXHIBITION
After reviewing over 500 photographs submitted by 110 photographers from around the world, a jury of eight experts*, chaired by Joël Bouzou, president of the World Olympians Association, has decreed the winners of the 6th edition of ‘Run for Art’. The topic of the contest, promoted by the Giulio Onesti Foundation – Italian National Olympic Academy, was ‘Environment and Sport’, which sparked the competition among many talented photographers, both professionals and amateurs, aged between 18 and 35. Started at a national level in 2015, the contest has now gained international status, as confirmed once again by the wide participation. The theme enhanced ‘Run for Art’, leaving photographers ample space for their creativity in the five proposed categories. The finalist photographs are showcased on the project website (runforart.com) in a digital exhibition, curated by the Olympian Novella Calligaris, which offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the ways sports intersect with our environment, in a digital journey across five continents through the lenses of photographers. The online exhibition is accompanied by the notes of ‘Back to my Life’ by Lorenzo Porzio (orchestra director and Olympic bronze medallist in rowing; piano and music) and by Fabiola Gaudio (violin).
Sport and natural environment – From the turquoise waves of the Caribbean Sea to the snowy slopes of the Dolomites, through the dunes of the desert to the green woods of Wales, in 8 shots ‘Run for Art’ tells about the link between sport and the natural environment, which the International Olympic Committee identifies as the third pillar of Olympism. Sports practice is enriched by the contact with nature and its elements. Thanks to the values of respect, education, and sustainability, sport reminds us how a sustainable approach and a new “green” awareness are the ground for a future whose priorities are health and planet. The French photographer Jean-Baptiste Liautard won the category with his shot ‘The Dune’. “After waking up at 3:30 in our tent, we reached the top of the dune overnight and waited for the sun to rise over it – says Liautard – It was such a quiet moment with absolutely no sound around. The sun slowly appeared on the horizon, lighting up the top of the dune, while the rest of the landscape remained in darkness. We knew we had only one attempt, and directing the athlete where to turn was a nightmare because there was no way to give precise directions”.
Sport and social environment – The photograph taken by Arpan Chowdhury instantly captures our interest, portraying children playing with a rugby ball in West Bengal, India. The oval ball, a gift from the owner of a brick kiln where they are employed, symbolizes happiness and unity. Through playing, sports become a powerful way to have fun together, strengthen relationships, create lasting bonds, and make memorable experiences, encouraging sharing and inclusion.
Sport and urban environment – “What inspired me to capture this moment? It was my perpetual exploration for architectural settings within Milan where performing a trick,” says Ayman Youssef, winner in the ‘Sport and urban environment’ category. “This increasingly represents how skateboarding and urban architecture evolve together over time.” The shot taken by the Italian photographer represents a moment of mental and physical freedom, a tool for social expression and personal growth. Sport and the urban environment evolve together, giving athletes always new spaces to use with creativity, to discover unexpected architectures and perspectives. Ayman and the other competitors in the category perfectly captured this message.
Sport and cultural environment – With a varied selection of shots, ‘Run for Art’ guides us on a journey across the five continents to discover a multicolored universe, showing us how sport can be a tool for cultural identity and heritage enhancement. Whether in the shadow of the pyramids or under the curious focus of the Superbowl cameras, ancient rituals and deeply rooted memories never cease to relive and amaze us, in a constant dialogue between tradition and modernity. In Sudip Maiti’s shot, ‘Ancient Art’, Pehalwan wrestlers train at a Kushti academy in Kolkata, India. Kushti is a traditional Indian sport that challenges the athletes’ mental and physical strength. However, modernization has caused a decline in the sport’s popularity, and it is disappearing rapidly.
Sport and the future environment – Azerbaijani photographer Miragha Aliyev has turned his attention towards the future. Whether natural, social, urban, or cultural, the environment around us has a profound impact on our lives and contributes to shaping and enriching our sporting experience. ‘Run for Art’ invites us to reflect on the beauty and variety of our world and the need to preserve it for future generations.
*The jury of the sixth edition of ‘Run for Art’ is composed by: Joël Bouzou (President of the World Olympians Association and Peace and Sport Organization), Rikki-Paul Bunder (Photographer and Head of Photography at Collarts University Australia), Berit Kjøll (Member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Sustainability and Active Lifestyle Commission at the European Olympic Committees), Rafael Maranhao (World Para Sports Communications Lead at the International Paralympic Committee), Elsie Kibue-Ngare (Photographer and co-founder of The African Photobook), Michael James O’Brien (Photographer and Chair of Photography at Savannah College of Art and Design), Conrad Yu (Sports photographer and Photo manager of Sportsoho Magazine Hong Kong), and Carolina Zavanella (CEO and Project Manager at GAU ARENA).
https://www.fondazionegiulioonesti.it/en/
