WINNERS

We The Spirits

  • Photographer
    Jason Gardner, France
  • Prize
    Human Photographer of the Year / Gold Winner in Human/Culture

Winter and spring; barren and fertile; life and death; beauty and ugliness; light and dark; ritual and reality; chaos and order – the ancient winter masquerade, often known as Carnival, brings forth these timeless themes. Beyond mere revelry, Carnival embodies unique regional and national identities, recognizing seasonal rhythms while paying homage to the spirits of the dead. For over 15 years, throughout 15 countries, I have visually documented this ritual and festival, focusing on traditional, folkloric, and community celebrations, ones with few outside visitors.