Unveiling the Spellbinding Dichotomy of Rural Rajasthan: Prix Pictet Photography Contest's Astonishing Winner

Capturing these striking images in rural Rajasthan, Indian photographer Gauri Gill has been awarded the prestigious Prix Pictet, a global accolade recognizing photography and sustainability.

Striking photographs document the global sustainability crisis. After spending 24 years visiting western Rajasthan, Gill stated that she had experienced a multi-faceted reality that was previously unfamiliar to her as a resident of the city. She actively engaged with the marginalized communities residing in the area.

Living in poverty and without property in the desert necessitates a reliance on oneself, others, and the natural environment," she stated. "These fragments of collective experience are now housed within a vast photographic collection known as Notes from the Desert."

Since its launch in 2008, the Prix Pictet photography award has sought to capture and draw attention to matters concerning sustainability in various themes of work. Each of its 10 installments has honed in on a distinct aspect of sustainability, and this year's competition centered around "Human."

This image of the Kötlujökull Glacier in Iceland was taken by Ragnar Axelsson in 2021.

Ragnar Axelsson's portfolio was one of the eleven shortlisted for the award. His series of photographs showcased Inuit hunters and Nenet reindeer-hunters, whose traditional ways of life are under threat due to the climate crisis. Additionally, Siân Davey's images captured visitors in her backyard, striking different poses amidst the vibrant wildflowers.

Alessandro Cinque's photos, capturing the challenging relationship between the Quechua people, their land, and the mining industry in Peru, earned him a place on the shortlist. In a statement, he expressed his gratitude.

The remarkable image of a colossal plasma arc has won the title of Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2023.

The organizers of the award aimed to promote a greater understanding of our common humanity and initiate important discussions on the issues that affect us all. Isabelle von Ribbentrop, Executive Director of Prix Pictet, expressed this intention in a statement. The selected photographs will be on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London until October 22, and will then be showcased in various museums worldwide, including Istanbul, Dublin, Bangkok, and Stockholm.

A selection of the images can be viewed in the gallery above.