The proof is in the spud-ing… Following success in 2020, the Potato Photographer of the Year award once again called for spud-loving creatives around the world to photograph the humble potato in 2021.
Amateur Photographer reports that the Potato Photographer of the Year competition, organised by regular AP contributor Benedict Brain, was inspired by acclaimed photographer Kevin Abosch’s image of a potato. Selling for $1million in 2016, it was this photograph that confirmed the appetite for potato-based art.
The expert panel of judges included AP’s Nigel Atherton, as well as Martin Parr, Paul Hill, Amy D’Agorne, Angela Nicholson and Benedict Brain. Proceeds from the contest will be donated to the Trussell Trust, a food bank charity that aims to end food poverty in the UK.
The outcome of the 2021 competition was announced earlier in the week. We share a few of the awards here, courtesy Amateur Photographer. Also see Photocrowd.
Overall winner
Fish & Chips by William Ropp
“This was a challenge from a friend who after following art school courses ended up as a potato seller”.
Judges comment:
“There’s something extremely wonderful and weird about this work. The amalgamation of vegetables and animals creates a strange portrait of the everyday food we consume. The fact that the image was taken on a polaroid camera with just a flashlight is of great credit to the photographer’s skill”: Amy D’Agorne
“There’s a wonderfully surreal element to this image with dark undertones but also a touch of humour, an interesting combo, that maybe speaks to the times we live in. It has been artfully conceived and beautifully put together using analogue techniques”: Benedict Brain
Second place
Precious Potato by Clair
“Jean is in her late 90’s she has raised four children, been very close to her grandchildren and is lucky to see her bubbly great-grandchild growing up. For most of her life she has cooked and cared for her family, feeding them traditional nutritious meals. She appreciates the simplicity of the humble potato and how it can feed many around her ever-growing table. Many things in Jeans’ lifetime have altered, except for the classic potato.”
Judges comment:
“The wonderfully simple and delicate approach to this image has been beautifully handled”: Benedict Brain
Third place
Hands Holding New Potatoes by John Glover
“Hands holding homegrown new organic potatoes recently harvested”
Judges comment
“I love the simplicity of this as the gardener proudly shows off their homegrown spuds”: Martin Parr
Fifth place
Potato Ketchup by Steve Caplin
“Made with Potatoshop”
What were the technical challenges? “Recolouring the ketchup”.
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Source: Amateur Photographer. Read the full story and see more photos here.
Cover photo: Tenth place – “Submerged” by Cashou.
Related: Photocrowd
Related: ‘Potato Photographer of the Year’ competition returns for 2021
