TOKYO-2016 Portfolio / Fine Art_PO

From Albania with sun

  • Prize
    Silver in Portfolio/Fine Art
  • Photographer
    Franky Verdickt

Albania is located only 45 miles from Italy, and has history dating back to the 4th century B.C., but it is not well known even today. Despite its natural beauty, and recent attempts to lure tourists, a metaphoric dark cloud hangs over Albania, and few foreigners seem eager to visit to discover its charms. Over the centuries, the land and people have been subject to massive turmoil in politics, economics, wars and culture clashes. After the fall of communism, many native Albanians fled to other countries (notably Italy and Germany) to seek jobs and better living conditions. Yet each summer, hundreds and thousands return to bask in the natural beauty and comforting culture of their homeland. For this project, photographer Franky Verdickt traveled to popular seaside destinations near the coastal cities of Durrës and Lake Ohrid to document the summertime vacations of Albanians and Kosovars (ethnic Albanians).

Franky Verdickt became a master in photography at Luca School of Arts in Brussels. Verdickt’s work is ambiguous and shows a fascination on how ideas and ideologies can sublimate into images, his series sometimes have a mildly ironic undertow. His works is been exhibited in Europe and published. With his series 'The South Street Village' he won the Lensculture Exposure Award 2014 and got nominated for Moscow International Foto Award 2014. His second book 'Nobody likes to be hindered by worldly troubles' got shortlisted at several photofestivals.