Edgar Martins, a photographer who grew up in Macau, has been recognized as best photographer in the category of Still Life and came second in Architecture at the Sony World Photography Awards 2018. In the selection Still Life, he was distinguished with the series of photographs "Soliloquies and Soliloquies on Death, Life and Other Interludes" which depict a variety of letters and other objects used in crimes and suicides.
The photographer produced this series at the National Institute of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Science (INMLCF) in Portugal, where evidence is collected by the police, such as suicide notes, letters and other objects used in suicides and crimes. "The work explores the tension between disclosure and concealment, questioning, among other things, the ethical implications of representing and disclosing sensitive material of this nature," Martins has been quoted as saying.
A second series of photographs by the artist, "The Poetic Impossibility of Containing Infinity", was awarded second place in the category of Architecture for professional photographers. The work, conducted at hydroelectric power plants in Portugal, facilities of the European Space Agency and automobile factories in Germany, seeks to examine and re-evaluate the relationship of humanity to technology and industry and the impact on people's social and cultural awareness.
The photography contest, divided into four selections (Professional, Open, Youth and Student), this year marked the 11th edition with a record 320,000 entries from photographers from more than 200 countries and territories, according to a statement from the organization. Photographer of the Year was awarded to the British Alys Tomlinson for his 'Ex-Voto' series, which will earn her the prize of US $ 25,000 (20,000 euros).
Edgar Martins was born in Évora, grew up in Macau and currently lives in Bedford, UK, and his work has been exhibited internationally. He was recently selected as Jury's Choice at The Magnum Awards and at the Hariban Award, and was elected to represent Macau at the 54th Venice Biennale.
Martins was a finalist in the categories of Still Life, Discovery and Architecture, while Adriano Neves and António Coelho received honorable mentions in the open competition. The works of the finalist and distinguished artists for the honorable mention will be exhibited at the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition in London between April 20th and May 6th.
