Territory: Worldwide
Theme: Non Stop Pop
Eligibility: Open to all
Entry Fees: 5 Euros
Prize: Equipment
Pop culture reflects the values, desires and concerns of contemporary society and is constantly being redefined through its commercial dissemination in the media and consumer culture. The concept of “Non Stop Pop” suggests a constant and unceasing flow of images and symbols that flood the social web and constantly influence our perceptions and expectations.
An anthropological interpretation of pop culture focuses on its role as a collective tool for identity formation, creating a kind of “collective ego” expressed through symbols, clothing choices and behaviours, forming communities that are connected through the shared acceptance of these characteristics.
The notion of pop culture as a product of consumption is also a crucial dimension to be explored. As a field of incessant commodification and consumption, pop culture images are quickly assimilated by the public, who accept and reproduce them until they are overtaken by new trends. This rapid turnover of trends, which characterises the contemporary consumption pattern, emphasises temporality and ephemerality.
In the age of digital communication, pop culture is now infiltrating everyday life not only through traditional media, but also through social networks and the internet. Anyone can create and disseminate content, participating in the incessant production of pop aesthetics. In addition, people’s need to be popular and socially recognised has become one of the most dominant characteristics of pop culture. Through the display of moments from their personal lives on social media, many seek to construct an attractive and often carefully crafted image of themselves that exudes prosperity, success and social acceptance. However, the intensity with which online popularity is pursued often raises questions about whether these images represent the truth or whether they are a superficial version of reality. While these platforms foster a sense of connection and recognition, the images presented are often ‘filtered’ and selected, emphasising only the brighter aspects of life. Thus, the pursuit of popularity often becomes an end in itself, moving away from authenticity, replacing personal experience with a manufactured narrative, which can create intense psychological pressure and feelings of inadequacy.
Finally, in pop culture, colour functions as a central aesthetic tool that enhances the visual immediacy and dynamics of images, making them attractive and widely recognisable. The intense and saturated colours that dominate advertising media, social media and fashion are not limited to a decorative role, but reflect and accentuate the impermanence and speed of consumer culture.
The “Non Stop Pop” competition is open to all photographers, both professional and amateur, who wish to present their own perspective on the complex and incessant influence of pop culture. Entries will be judged on the basis of aesthetic composition, originality and thematic depth of shots, which should interpret pop culture with an insightful eye and critical attitude. Through your personal photographic expression, you are invited to highlight the most essential and timeless aspect of pop culture, participating in the dialogue on its role in the contemporary world.
Awards
1st place: NIKON Z 30 camera with NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR lens, sponsor courtesy by Damkalidis SΑ
2nd & 3rd place: A signed photo album by Alec Soth
In addition, one of the top three shortlisted winners will have the opportunity to participate in the next year’s festival with a solo exhibition.
The exhibition of the 25 selected photographs of the contest Photometria Awards 2024 is going to take place in Ioannina at the 17th Photometria International Photography Festival. It will also continue its journey after the festival ends.
