WINNERS

Presence

  • Photographer
    Saori Orita, Japan
  • Prize
    Silver Winner in Nature/Other

I see in the mountains a life that stretches into deep time. Formed by the Earth's forces, they carry histories spanning thousands, millions, and even billions of years. After illness, I came to love the mountains. For nearly ten years, I have climbed them to feel the reality of being alive. As I imprint the mountains onto silver gelatin film, I realize that I am also recording the fact that I, too, was there. The mountains remain unchanged, indifferent to my existence. By fixing them into silver, I am also fixing my own presence.