International Youth Photography Competition Celebrates Artistic Vision

The “Witnessing the Present” International Youth Photography Competition culminated in an award ceremony on August 17, 2025, at the Inter Art Center/Gallery in Beijing’s iconic 798 Art District. Organized by the Singapore Good Soil Foundation in collaboration with the gallery, the competition showcased the artistic expressions of young photographers aged 15 to 22 from various countries, focusing on their views of contemporary life and aspirations for the future.

Event Highlights and Purpose

The event was co-hosted by project initiators Ms. Faye Lo and Mr. Na Risong. Mr. Na, who serves as the Artistic Director and Curator of the Inter Art Center/Gallery, articulated the competition’s mission to offer a platform for young photographers worldwide. Ms. Faye Lo, the founder of the Singapore Good Soil Foundation, also addressed attendees, underscoring the foundation’s commitment to nurturing artistic development among youth.

The ceremony attracted numerous prominent figures from the photography and cultural sectors, including acclaimed photographers such as Zhu Xianmin and Wang Wenlan, as well as media professionals and educators from institutions like the Beijing Film Academy. Their presence highlighted the event’s significance within the global artistic community.

Global Participation and Judging Panel

Since its inception, the competition has garnered substantial interest, drawing participants from countries including China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, France, and the United States. Contestants ranged from 15 to 22 years old, with the youngest being just 15. The judging panel featured esteemed professionals from around the globe, including Mr. Edmund Clark, a renowned British video artist, and Mr. James Ramer, an acclaimed American photographer and curator.

Following careful deliberation, the judges awarded the top three prizes to the following participants:

Award Winners and Their Works

Chen Beiting received the first prize for his series “Traces of Light”. He reflects on his journey since moving to Guilin for university, capturing fragmented memories of home through his lens. His work evokes a sense of nostalgia, exploring the concept of home amidst time’s passage.

Second place was awarded to Chen Yumeng for “Where the Light Ends”, a visual exploration that merges daily life and poetic existence through fractured perspectives. The piece emphasizes the beauty in mundane moments, presenting a narrative that unfolds like a film.

Huang Anni and Li Yuxiang tied for third place. Huang’s work, “Butterfly Prison”, delves into the tension between tradition and modernity in her upbringing within Lingnan culture. Through her photography, she aims to inspire young women to break free from societal constraints, using the butterfly as a symbol of liberation.

Li’s series “Yu Hui” captures the essence of childhood through images of his seven-year-old nephew, celebrating the joyous and carefree nature of youth. His work highlights the beauty of everyday moments, emphasizing the importance of freedom in a child’s life.

The “Witnessing the Present” competition not only acknowledges young talent but also fosters a global dialogue about youth and creativity. For those interested in the Singapore Good Soil Foundation and its initiatives, further information can be found on their social media platforms.