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Honorable Mention / Nature: Humans Impact & Conservation
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Toxic beauty
Toxic beauty
This aerial photograph reveals a striking yet unsettling scene at the turquoise lake in Konin. The water with a dazzling shade of azure resembles the idyllic colors of the Maldives. Contrasting with this beauty, sludge channels from a nearby power plant, winding through the landscape in a wide range of colors from black to gold, evoke the volcanic terrain of Iceland. But this stunning palette hides a toxic secret. Sediment containing soot and ash slowly enters the tank, causing mineralization and colorization of the water. One channel of slime resembles the silhouette of a landing alien, and other one the shape od Poland borders. This photo isn't just a shot of contrasting natural beauty; is a moving reminder of the complex and often hidden impact of human activity on our environment. Like an alien entering our neighborhood unaware of the consequences of its actions. It also shows us that caring for the environment is not just "out there", but also concerns country where we live.
Author
Based in Warsaw, Poland, is a talented photographer who specializes in capturing minimalistic shots of architecture and landscapes. Through his photographs, he strives to create and present a simple and austere approach to the viewers. In today's world, where we are inundated with a lot of technical and visual information, minimalism offers a soothing respite for our busy minds. His intention is to prompt the audience to perceive reality from a fresh perspective, encouraging contemplation on time and existence. His exceptional works have garnered acclaim in numerous Polish and international photography contests such as Grand Prize Chromatic Awards, Siena Drone Photo Awards, The International Photography Awards and Architecture MasterPrize. Recently, his photographs have been published in renowned publications such as "100 [HUNDRED] Best Selected", "Photography in the Visual Culture", "Black, White & Infinite Colors" and All About Photo magazine.
Website
https://www.instagram.com/sebastian.piorek/
@sebastian.piorek