Best of world's press photos on the way

Best of world's press photos on the way

FROM moments of glory at the 2012 London Olympics to scenes of despair amid the Syrian conflict, 154 award-winning documentary and press photos are to go on display at Raffles Hotel.

Singapore will be the final destination for the World Press Photo exhibition tour which has visited around 100 cities in 45 countries.

Pictures taken by top international photographers will be on display here from March 8 to 30.

It will be only the third time the exhibition has visited the Republic in its 58-year history - the previous two visits being in 2002 and 2006.

The photos revisit some of the most significant moments of 2012. Among them is an aerial shot of an ecstatic Andrea Baldini celebrating his victory over Japan's Yuki Ota that helped Italy clinch the gold medal in the Olympics men's team foil fencing event.

Another photo captures the pain of a Syrian woman who suffered severe injuries and lost her husband and two children during a military bombardment of their home.

They were judged across nine categories by an independent international jury of 19 members.

Some 103,481 images were submitted by 5,666 photographers - 23 of them from Singapore.

Jury chair Santiago Lyon said: "When I look at the results I see stellar examples of first-rate photojournalism that are powerful, lasting, and that will reach all those who contemplate them."

Founded in 1955, the annual contest is organised by World Press Photo Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit organisation based in Amsterdam. It is seen by many as the "Oscars" of photojournalism.

The Straits Times is the official media partner of the Singapore exhibition.

Editor Warren Fernandez said: "A good picture can take you to the scene, convey the human emotions of an event, and move you beyond words.

"We are happy to be part of this event, as The Straits Times has always believed that great pictures and design are crucial parts of the news experience, in print and online."

Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong will open the display on March 7. Entry is free.


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