Bracket 2024

The URBAN Photo Arena 2024 has announced its winners:

Subhran Karmakar – Leap of Faith

**Subhran Karmakar – Leap of Faith (1st Place)**

This striking black-and-white photograph, Leap of Faith by Subhran Karmakar, captures a mesmerizing moment of movement and reflection. A boy mid-air dives toward the still water, his shadow mirrored perfectly on its surface, creating a surreal juxtaposition of real and reflected. In the foreground, an elderly woman seated on patterned tiles adds contrast and depth, symbolizing the quiet observer against the vibrance of youth. The photograph’s composition and timing create a powerful narrative, cementing its top position in the competition.

Ayanava Sil – Misty Morning Whispers

**Ayanava Sil – Misty Morning Whispers (2nd Place)**

Ayanava Sil’s Misty Morning Whispers presents a hauntingly beautiful scene of duality and perspective. Two dogs sit in the foreground, their poised forms framing the misty backdrop. In the distance, horse riders emerge faintly through the fog, and a towering building looms, blending nature with urban elements. The use of black-and-white tones heightens the ethereal quality, drawing viewers into a quiet yet dynamic moment. This masterful interplay of layers and tones earned the photograph its rightful second place.

Joy Saha – Life on the Boats

**Joy Saha – Life on the Boats (3rd Place, Tie)**

Joy Saha’s Life on the Boats offers a mesmerizing aerial perspective of wooden boats clustered together, creating a tapestry of texture and symmetry. Among the boats, two figures rest peacefully on vibrant mats, their presence breaking the geometric uniformity with a touch of humanity. The colorful life rings scattered across the boats add splashes of contrast, enhancing the visual rhythm. This composition captures the essence of life intertwined with water, earning its place as a third-place winner.

Abdelrhman Shaban – Brick Factory Worker

Abdelrhman Shaban – Brick Factory Worker (3rd Place, Tie)

This captivating photograph, Brick Factory Worker by Abdelrhman Shaban, captures a profound interplay of light, shadow, and human connection. Bathed in warm, golden light, a man stands with his back to the camera, gently holding the bridle of a white donkey. The shadows of the man and the animal are projected onto an earthy wall, forming an arch-like frame that adds a surreal, almost spiritual dimension. The textured backdrop contrasts with the clean silhouette, symbolizing the harmony between labor and nature. The photograph’s masterful use of lighting and composition creates a timeless narrative of tradition, toil, and companionship, elevating its artistic resonance.

URBAN Photo Arena 2024 bracket (updated)

The semifinals were held on Friday, 25 October, and the final took place on Saturday, 26 October, during the awards ceremony at the international festival Trieste Photo Days. The following bracket serves as a reference to showcase the journey of the top participants who competed for the prestigious title.