KL Photoawards 2021: a time to define our individual identity and sense of self

A screen shot of the Kuala Lumpur International Photoawards 2021, which is now open for submissions.

The Kuala Lumpur International Photoawards (KLPA) is now open for submissions.

This year’s theme is “Sense Of Self”, an invitation to reflect on how we define ourselves or perceive others.

“The theme was developed from the idea that over the last 12 months, many of us around the world have been in various states of isolation and home quarantine. As we can no longer interact with others in the physical space, the online space became a replacement for communication and affirmation of our endeavours. 'Sense of Self' asks the question of how we see ourselves through these new channels and how others see and judge us at the same time, ” says Steven Lee, KLPA founder and director.

KLPA is an annual global portrait photography prize seeking the very best and fresh entries from photographers of all levels in two main categories - "Single Image" open and a Project-based or themed category. Initiated in 2009, KLPA is recognised as a significant and vital award in the photography calendar, supporting and rewarding contemporary portraiture practice especially in the South-East Asian region.

Portraits of the 'self'

What are the traits and characteristics that make a person who they are? How can a photographer record them in a creative and meaningful way?

“Portraits can delve deep into a person's psyche and reveal what is superficially masked on the surface. We would like to see portraits that are well thought through and researched. Participants can interpret the theme as they wish, whether literally or metaphorically, ” he adds.

The winning entries and finalists of the 13th edition of the KLPA will be exhibited as part of the "Exposure+ Photo" event, which will take place in multiple venues in Kuala Lumpur from Sept 9-26.

Building on last year’s KL20X20, the upcoming Exposure+ Photo series will follow a similar format with curated exhibitions of local and international artists.

Besides exhibitions, there will be workshops, talks and presentations, digital public screenings and a portfolio review session for young and emerging artists.

“Exposure+ Photo aims to provide a platform for local photographers to exhibit their projects and a focus for the Malaysian public and photography followers to come together to appreciate curated photography in a well organised city-wide event, ” says Lee.

The Exposure+ Photo event is organised by co-founders Lee and Nadirah Zakariya, aided by Munirah Rohaizan and Stacy Liu.

KLPA finalists will additionally have their work shown at a number of upcoming international photography festivals, including the Suwon Photo Festival in South Korea, San Jose Foto in Uruguay, Auckland Festival of Photography in New Zealand, Uganda Press Photo Award in Uganda and Photolux Festival in Italy.

The deadline for the KLPA open call is April 30.

More info here.