Young Photographers Capture Dreams in International Contest

On August 17, 2025, the “Witnessing the Present” International Youth Photography Competition culminated in an award ceremony held at the Inter Art Center/Gallery in Beijing’s vibrant 798 Art District. Organized by the Singapore Good Soil Foundation and the Inter Art Center/Gallery, the competition invited participants aged 15 to 22 from across the globe to express their views on contemporary life, aspirations, and personal growth through photography.

The event was co-hosted by project initiators Ms. Faye Lo and Mr. Na Risong. During the opening remarks, Mr. Na, who serves as the Artistic Director and Curator of the gallery, articulated the competition’s goal: to create a global platform for young photography enthusiasts. Ms. Lo, the Founder of the Singapore Good Soil Foundation, alongside Project Co-Initiator Mr. Zack Cao, conveyed their vision of encouraging youth expression through the arts and highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to fostering artistic development.

Prominent figures from the photography and cultural sectors attended the ceremony. Notable guests included well-known photographers such as Zhu Xianmin, Wang Wenlan, and He Yanguang, as well as media professionals and educators from institutions like the Beijing Film Academy. Their presence underscored the event’s significance in bridging cultural and artistic conversations among youth.

The competition garnered widespread participation, drawing submissions from countries including China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, France, and the United States. Participants ranged in age from 15 to 22, with the youngest entrant being only 15 years old. The esteemed judging panel included international experts such as Mr. Edmund Clark, a renowned British video artist, and Mr. James Ramer, an acclaimed American photographer.

After careful deliberation, the judges awarded top honors to three remarkable photographers whose works reflect deep introspection and artistic vision.

A Glimpse at the Award-Winning Works

The first prize was awarded to Chen Beiting for her series titled “Traces of Light.” This collection explores the concept of home and family through the lens of memory. Chen describes her journey of revisiting significant places linked to her past, layering nostalgic fragments with current scenes. She writes, “In my recollections, those magical objects often glow, like little time machines guiding us against the current of time’s flow.”

The second prize went to Chen Yumeng for “Where the Light Ends,” a work that captures the interplay of life’s small moments through fragmented perspectives. Yumeng’s series presents everyday scenes that reflect the beauty and chaos of living, inviting viewers to engage with the poetry of existence.

Tying for third prize, Huang Anni presented “Butterfly Prison,” which examines the tension between tradition and modernity through the lens of gender roles in her upbringing. Huang aims to inspire women to break free from traditional constraints, using the symbolism of the butterfly to represent rebirth and empowerment.

Another third-place winner, Li Yuxiang, showcased “Yu Hui,” a heartfelt documentation of his seven-year-old nephew. Through his photographs, Li captures the essence of childhood freedom and curiosity, emphasizing the beauty of unstructured play.

The competition not only highlights the talent of young photographers but also serves as a reminder of the power of visual storytelling in conveying personal and cultural narratives.

For more information about the Singapore Good Soil Foundation and its initiatives, visit their social media platforms or reach out via email. The organization’s commitment to nurturing creative expression among youth continues to resonate, inspiring the next generation of artists to share their visions with the world.