Teaneck, NJ—The 2023 Leica Celebration of Photography displayed top-quality photography and a varied program of activities. For three days, the Leitz Park in Wetzlar was the setting to revel in the excitement of photography.
Moreover, Ismail Ferdous and Ziyi Le were the honored recipients of the Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2023 (LOBA). Additionally, Elliott Erwitt was inducted into the Leica Hall of Fame. Indeed, the event was a celebration of photography and photographers, along with guided tours and a podium discussion.
The LOBA 2023 Winners
In the main category of the LOBA, the winner was the Bangladeshi, U.S.-based photographer Ismail Ferdous. His Sea Beach series won over the jury. The images show the colorful diversity of visitors and tourists at the legendary Cox’s Bazar Beach, located in Bangladesh.
Furthermore, the Leica Oskar Barnack Award in the Newcomer category went to Chinese photographer Ziyi Le. His series presents a sensitive portrait of the New Comer. The works represent a generation in search of its place in Chinese society.
Both series, together with the 10 projects chosen to complete the 2023 LOBA short list, remain on display at the Ernst Leitz Museum until January 2024. With its selection of emotional and engaged photography, the 43rd edition of the LOBA once again underlined the significance of the competition.
Elliott Erwitt at the Leica Gallery Wetzlar
Following the LOBA award ceremony on the evening of October 12, Elliott Erwitt was inducted into the Leica Hall of Fame. The American with European roots is considered one of the most important and influential photographers of our times. Born in 1928, the Magnum photographer has an enormous and unique body of work.
What’s more, he personally put together the selection of 50 of his best motifs for the exhibition at the Leica Gallery Wetzlar. In addition to legendary celebrity portraits and his preferred dog pictures, the display includes snapshots that reflect his empathy and sense of humor.
One of his iconic motifs was chosen as Leica Picture of the Year 2023. The portrait of a bulldog sitting on its owner’s lap was taken in New York City in 2000. The Leica Picture of the Year has a limited edition of 80 copies worldwide, which are sold exclusively through Leica Galleries.
Celebration of Photography
The event began on October 11 with numerous tours of Leica headquarters and other Leica locations in Wetzlar. Guests were also introduced to the new Leica Watch.
In addition, another highlight during the award ceremonies on the evening of October 12 was a recitation by the British poet and author Hussain Manawer. The program concluded on the morning of October 13 with a panel discussion titled A Commitment to the Truth: Photojournalism in Crisis?
LOBA winner Ismail Ferdous, short-list candidate Laetitia Vançon and photo editor/curator Lars Lindemann made up the panel. They discussion covered the rapidly changing conditions for photojournalism today.
