WINNERS!

The love you can have for a daughter is indescribable. Every day she grows and that growth is unstoppable. During the months of pregnancy I discovered that not everything was rosy. I thought that by having a symptom-free pregnancy, I could fully connect with my daughter and start to get to know her. Not everything was rosy, because from the first ultrasound I had complications. The doctors warned me that she could be born with a chromosomal malformation and that scared me. It seems that this news could not affect me because I have a brother with Down's Syndrome but this can affect everyone anyway. In the end, it all ended in a scare. When I knew that everything was going well and that my daughter was healthy, I started to enjoy myself. Almost at seven months.

This photograph, titled "Moments of Joyful Learning," is part of the Education theme. It captures a young child participating in an enriching learning experience with a dolphin. The moment embodies the essence of experiential education, where the child’s interaction with the animal creates an emotional and sensory learning opportunity. Such activities are more than just recreational; they play a crucial role in developing children’s social and cognitive skills, nurturing their curiosity, and expanding their understanding of the world in unique ways. For children, especially those with developmental challenges like autism, learning experiences outside conventional settings can be transformative. This image is a testament to how education through emotional and tactile engagement helps children connect with their feelings and learn to express them. The child’s joy and excitement, evident in her expression, highlight the power of integrating play and interaction into learning. As an advocate for non-formal education, I believe capturing these moments and sharing them allows children to later reflect on their emotions and recognize how activities influence their mood and engagement. This photo exemplifies how education can be more than textbooks and classrooms—it can be about creating connections, sparking joy, and building memories that resonate far beyond the learning moment.

On the sidewalk, outside a clothing store sits a man quietly observing the world around him as if he’s another part of the city scene blending in seamlessly with the crowd passing by him without a second glance at his presence. The bright daylight reflects off the store's windows, showcasing dressed mannequins in striking elegant poses that seem to portray an idealized version of reality. However, the lifeless gazes of these figures appear to look through him rather than at him mirroringthe indifference that surrounds him as people briskly walk past lost in their thoughts and oblivious to his existence. His clothes, with layers and signs of wear and tear, speak volumes about his strength and struggles endured over time—each crease. Patch tells tales of resilience in facing challenges and enduring hardships, in a world that can be unforgiving at times. The immaculate clothing showcased behind the glass stands out starkly compared to the rest of the setting. They do not represent opulence and prosperity but reflect a societal inclination towards flawlessness and sophistication. This contrast is quite noticeable underscoring the disparity between our glorified ideals and the harsh realities we tend to overlook. This moment captures an aspect of city living, how easily those at society’s fringes go unnoticed, amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life. This image goes beyond a picture because it’s a moment that prompts us to take some time and recognize the human element that we sometimes miss in our daily lives. It pushes us to think about what matters and contemplate the narratives that go unnoticed, amidst the hustle and bustle of life.

One of the results of my explorations is ‘Nostalgia’, an introspection of this state, made in ink on paper. This work is part of a series dedicated to emotions and feelings. Nostalgia as a feeling is a reflection on the transience of moments, emotion and longing for things past. Memories often blur in the depths of our memory, and we meticulously try to preserve them, time and again immersing ourselves in their fragments. The painting depicts a figure - or rather her face - who, lying down on the surface of the lake of memories, immerses herself in the vague remains of herself, her dreams and what has passed irretrievably, but also her ideas of what the future might bring.

This powerful collage portrays Bobita, embracing her journey of self-expression and transformation. Captured in moments of applying makeup and styling her hair, the image illustrates the empowering process of affirming one’s identity. Through Camilo’s lens, the collage becomes a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the courage, resilience, and beauty in living authentically. This artwork sheds light on the transformative power of art as a tool for visibility and self-love. The vibrant composition mirrors the multifaceted nature of identity, reminding viewers of the importance of acceptance and representation.