For his photo series „Wir sind Deutschland“ (We are Germany), Zeitenspiegel photographer Rainer Kwiotek has been awarded the Rückblende Prize in the „Best Photo Series“ category for 2023.
The Rhineland-Palatinate State Representation awarded the renowned prize for political photography and caricature for the 40th time this year. „The retrospective impressively documents current political events. It has long since become a historical visual memory of the Federal Republic,“ stated Minister-President Malu Dreyer via video message at the festive award ceremony in Berlin. „The prize is a clear statement for freedom of opinion and the press,“ said State Secretary Heike Raab, who welcomed the invited guests at the State Representation.
In the spring of 2023, Rainer Kwiotek traveled with Zeitenspiegel author Rike Uhlenkamp for the Mom Magazine through Germany. Between Freiburg and Sankt Peter-Ording, Essen and Zittau, they met young people: the entire series comprises 17 impressive portraits and texts. The photographer had selected six for the application for the Rückblende award.
With the series, the jury said, Rainer Kwiotek photographically composed and technically perfect young people who are committed to society. Those who shape their future and stand against the right. This is particularly important in times like these. Because democracy thrives on participation and not on looking away.
Ingrid Müller, member of the editorial board of the Daily Mirror, held the Eulogy on Rainer Kwiotek's series. In a stage conversation with Müller, reporters Uhlenkamp and Kwiotek reported how the conversations with young people, their commitment, their strength of opinion, and their unwillingness to conform, give them hope. „Therefore, the award is also an award for our protagonists,“ says Rainer Kwiotek.
In addition to the award for best photo series sponsored by Leica, the prize for best political cartoon, best single image, and the further photography prize „Sharp Vision“ were awarded in three other categories.
Until February 13, the works of the winners will be shown in an exhibition of a total of 50 cartoons and 80 photographs and five series at the representation of Rhineland-Palatinate in Berlin. The jury selected them from over 1300 submissions. Afterwards, the exhibition will tour through other German cities, including Leipzig, Bonn, and Koblenz, as well as to Brussels.