This body of work uses imagery to reveal how skateboarding becomes a tool for visibility and reform. A remarkable Italian photographer juxtaposes scenes from Morocco and the Maghreb to highlight women who choose to break norms, transform social dynamics, and claim space through sport and art. The project titled Break Up Patriarchy rose to prominence, earning recognition and a prize of 1,500 euros at the Elche awards as part of a broader celebration of contemporary photography.
“The women I’ve met and their stories are bold examples of how skateboarding has allowed marginalized people to authenticate themselves and to inspire others to liberate their own identities by using this board as empowerment,” explains the artist, who earned a notable prize at Maghreb Photography Awards for coverage on immigration. The narrative centers on agency, resilience, and the creative strength found when people are given room to present themselves on their own terms.
Second prizes of 500 euros were awarded to Emran Hussein for a project documenting dumpster workers facing poverty and to Marcos Azulay for a piece titled Bye. Special mentions were given to works addressing class tensions, underworld themes, lake landscapes, post-rain moods, fatigue sleep, and sunlit motherhood, among others. The names associated with these recognitions reflect a diverse set of voices exploring social strata, daily struggles, and personal hope through lens and language.
Esperanza Pertusa Foundation announced the award-winning projects at a ceremony in the exhibition hall. The event took place within the XXV Edition of the PhotoEspaña International Photography Festival, with a jury that included renowned figures in the field. Jurors evaluated more than 210 artists from 22 countries, selecting winners who demonstrate strong social concern and artistic merit. Local officials, including the mayor of Elche and the Cultural Council representative, participated in the proceedings and celebrations.
In parallel, the Foundation opened Third Row Exhibition Focus on the Heart to Change the World, a group show running through September, featuring award-winning and selected works from the Esperanza Pertusa Prize. The initiative highlights a commitment to thoughtful, issue-driven photography and to expanding opportunities for underrepresented voices in the arts.
The photographers featured in these projects contribute to a growing conversation about poverty and social exclusion, using their work to illuminate lived realities and motivate change. The roster includes artists such as Ana Palacios, who won in the most recent edition, alongside Ana Álvarez-Errecalde, Ana Valiño, Arturo López, Benedict Bowler, Fernando Iglesias, Javier Fernández, Jesús Aguilar, Nour Eddine, and Pedro Londoño. Their diverse approaches affirm the power of documentary photography to foster empathy, expose injustices, and catalyze positive social transformation.