Sometimes it's worth simply having the courage to take a leap. For the first time, I submitted works from my current series Vision of Vine – Winds of Change to an international photo competition – and was honored with two awards:
🥇 1st place in the Abstract Photography category for Dual Paths – Tradition and Innovation
🏅 Honorary Mention in the Open Theme for Focus in Flux – A Vine Amidst the Storm
The awards were presented by the Best Photography Awards 2024–25 judged by a highly qualified panel of international experts that celebrates the diversity of photographic art. I was especially pleased to find an abstract photography category – something that many competitions still lack.
Art that connects
This recognition means a great deal to me. Abstract photography has the power to touch viewers in a personal way – no need for words, yet guided by a clear artistic vision. That these images were not only seen but understood shows me that my work speaks to people across cultures. Each gaze brings a new interpretation.
The subject itself is close to my heart: Vision of Vine reflects the transformation within viticulture – artistically captured using ICM (Intentional Camera Movement), a technique that makes movement visible.
The awarded images explore essential themes:
- Tradition and Innovation, as seen Dual Paths in Dual Paths
- or the search for orientation in times of change, expressed in Focus in Flux
Wine and art: a personal path
This project is more than photography to me – it’s a visual expression of a subject that accompanies me on many levels. As a seminar leader, wine travel guide, and founding member of PIWI Germany, I’ve long been engaged with sustainable viticulture and new grape varieties that help respond to climate challenges.
Vision of Vine ist daher auch ein fotografischer Kommentar: ein Dialog zwischen Natur, Wandel und Wahrnehmung. Die Verbindung von Wein und Kunst ist dabei für mich kein Widerspruch, sondern eine natürliche Erweiterung meines künstlerischen Ausdrucks.
Looking ahead
Gegen Ende des Jahres werde ich weitere Arbeiten dieser Serie beim PIWI Summit in Berlin präsentieren – ein passender Rahmen, um die Verbindung von künstlerischer Perspektive und weinbaulichem Wandel weiter sichtbar zu machen.
