'Human/Nature' is KL International Photoawards' theme, call for peace


A Ukrainian living in Malaysia holds a placard during an anti-war candlelight vigil in Kuala Lumpur in March. The theme for this year's Kuala Lumpur International Photoawards (KLPA) International Portrait Photography Prize is Human/Nature, with the entry fees channelled to two humanitarian organisations in support of Ukraine. Photo: AP

The annual Kuala Lumpur International Photoawards (KLPA) International Portrait Photography Prize is back. Submit your photographs for a chance at winning a Canon digital camera (top three winners) and be part of an online and physical exhibition (45 winners and finalists) at GMBB in Kuala Lumpur in September.

In support of Ukraine, KLPA has pledged to donate 100% of entry fees from this year’s open call to two humanitarian organisations.

"We are in total support and solidarity with the people of Ukraine. KLPA will pledge to donate all net entry fees from the 2022 open call to support the humanitarian needs of the millions of displaced Ukrainians who are desperately seeking shelter, clothes, and food," says Steven Lee, KLPA founder.

The funds will be donated equally to the Disasters Emergency Committee and the United Nations Crisis Response.

Established in 2009, KLPA aims to provide a platform for portrait photography from a wider context of practitioners from South-East Asia and beyond.

The theme for this year’s prize is "Human/Nature".

"This is to be interpreted in the widest creative, philosophical and sociological senses," says Lee.

KLPA seeks creative and meaningful stand-alone portraits in all genres, from street, documentary, fine-art to conceptual shots, inspired and influenced by this theme.

It is open to all amateur and professional photographers from around the world, ages 16 and up (as of April 1, 2022).

There will be no open or project categories in this edition.

The judges are Federico Estol, Sharmin Parameswaran, Anna Kucma, Smita Sharma and Kodo Chijiiwa.

Partner festivals that will be presenting the 2022 finalists are the Exposure+ Photo in Kuala Lumpur, Auckland Festival of Photography in New Zealand, Suwon International Photography Festival in South Korea, San Jose Foto in Uruguay, ​Photolux Festival in Italy and the Uganda Press Photo Award.

"KLPA is run by a very small and dedicated team maintaining the highest possible standards to promote portrait photography amongst Malaysians and internationally, and has always operated on a self-funded basis. We do not have external funding sources, apart from sponsorships of prizes, venues, printing, and volunteered time. Therefore, we will be crowdfunding for funds to cover the exhibition catalogues and prints," says Lee.

The deadline for submissions for KLPA2022 is May 31. The prize winners will be announced in August.

More info here.

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