Photography & Digital Art Contest
Photography | Digital Art | Mixed Media
Meet the 2024 Winners
We are excited to announce the winners of the 2024 Photography/Digital Art contest. With more than 650 creative entries, this was truly a competitive contest.
This year's theme was 'Freedom in Democracy', and contestants submitted thoughtful and creative entries in response to the following prompt:
- Capture the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in action.
First Place: Yolanda Sun
Art description: ‘Protesting for Freedom’ is a digital artwork showcasing our people’s voices and unity. The people all come together to form a protest in front of the parliament, with signs that yell the words “Liberty,” “Freedom,” and “Voice.” It is a peaceful protest that further shows how people from different backgrounds come together to affect change in their democracy.
Artist Biography
Yolanda Sun is a senior in high school in Ontario who is working to become an aspiring artist and architect. Her future goals consist of studying architecture, engineering, or illustration at university, where she will continue to pursue her passion. Inspired by online digital artists, she works to inspire others through her art. In her spare time, she draws digital pieces, studies, reads manga, listens to soft rock and J-pop, and plays rhythm games.
Title: ‘Protesting for Freedom’
Second Place: Demi Akapo
Art description: ‘Freedom of Expression’ is a digital art depicting a man sitting amidst a protest, playing his trumpet. Surrounded by police in the backdrop, his music is being interpreted differently from person to person, visually represented by colourful designs that bear phrases like “Voice without restraint” and “Expression”. This artwork celebrates freedom of expression, symbolized by music’s powerful role in fostering dialogue and advocating for social change.
Artist Biography
I am a 16 year-old artist from Alberta, and discovered my own voice through creating. Since I was six, I have used art to convey my emotions and thoughts on how I view the world. As a Black female artist, I look forward to a future where all diverse voices are valued and respected. I hope to play a role, no matter how small, in encouraging others to act and express themselves in their own ways, while celebrating what makes Canada diverse
Title: ‘Freedom of Expression’
Third Place: Alexia Bianchi
Art description: ‘Freedom Convoy’ captures a moment of the influential protest against vaccine mandates, where thousands of Canadians engaged in their democratic freedom of peaceful assembly in downtown Ottawa. This photograph portrays the protest filled with love, happiness, and hope, countering negative media portrayals with a display of Canadian spirit, resilience, and freedom. It highlights how collective action can influence change, as demonstrated by the results of this protest.
Artist Biography
As the world abruptly shut down due to COVID-19 regulations and restrictions were quickly and unfairly implemented. As a 15- year-old who exercised my right to freedom of medical choice, I was banned from doing all my sports (both in school and out of school), working, and doing anything leisurely in public. The freedom convoy & protests in Ottawa gave me hope during a time of total despair as I was grieving the life of a normal teenager.
Title: ‘Freedom Convoy’
Honourable Mentions
We recognize and congratulate the following five artists for their outstanding artworks, which stood out as top contenders:
Thank you for sharing your talent and creativity with us! We celebrate your contributions and encourage you to apply again next year. It is artists like you who shape the course of history, and we hope you continue to use your art to spark conversation and inspire change.
"Without freedom, no art. Art lives only on the restraints it imposes on itself and dies of all others."
- Albert Camus
Capture what freedom in democracy looks like to you
Explore the essence of freedom through art! In any democracy, individual freedoms are paramount, safeguarded by the Charter in Canada. Art serves as a potent medium to capture and shape these freedoms. Join our contest and unleash your creativity to depict what freedom truly signifies to you.
Freedom of Expression: A street mural in Toronto, showcasing the vibrant expression protected by the Charter.
Right to Assembly: Protesters peacefully assemble in Ottawa, exercising their Charter-protected right.
Freedom of Religion: Individuals worship together in a Montreal religious center, embodying the Charter’s freedom of religion.
Equality Rights: Diverse individuals stand united, representing the Charter’s commitment to equality.
Freedom from Discrimination: A workplace promotes equality, reflecting the Charter’s stance against discrimination.
Prizes
$2,000
First Place
$1,000
Second Place
$500
Third Place
"Art, freedom, and creativity will change society faster than politics."
Victor Pinchuk
Sponsor the contest
Please reach out to our development team to discuss sponsorship packages. We want to partner with you to support a generation of photographers and photojournalists who are passionate about freedom.
Email us at: education@jccf.ca