Aspen, Colorado (Jan. 24, 2007) – Tonight at dusk, the first-ever
international action and adventure sports photography competition – Red
Bull Illume Image Quest – unveiled 50 of the best raw moments in action
and adventure sports from across the globe in a larger-than-life outdoor
exhibition that “illuminated” Aspen Mountain. Judges, heroes of the
sport and special guests took witness during a special opening ceremony
exhibition as finalist photographers vied for first place honors and the
Athletes’ Choice Award. Judges selected the top 10 category winners and
named the Illume Image of Year.
Amidst the snow and darkness, the top 50 photographs were unveiled in a
breathtaking spectacle of luminous glass and metal cubes that left the
slopes of Aspen Mountain aglow. This illuminated exhibition, co-hosted
by renowned music industry photographer Danny Clinch, included the very
best of action sports, resulting in the most dramatic compilation of
action and adventure sports imagery ever assembled.
Contest judge Anne Telford of Communication Arts reflected on the
experience: “This is the most incredible collection I have ever seen
assembled in one place and is the most phenomenal experiences I have had
in my 17 years of photo editing.”
Official contest judges consisting of esteemed photo editors and image
experts from photography, action sports and lifestyle magazines from
around the world critiqued 7,200 submissions from over 90 countries.
They combined their efforts in search of the top 50 images (five
finalist images in ten image categories) that embody commitment, passion
and risk in addition to technical superiority, superior composition,
creativity, impact, artistic flair, and overall excellence.
“It’s overwhelming,” said contest judge Pete Taras of Transworld SURF,
“by far the biggest bonding meeting of the photographic minds I have
ever witnessed.”
Red Bull’s Illume exhibition spotlights the top 45 international
photographers who have triumphed in the eyes of experts for their art,
spirit, grit and edgy perfection. In search of the pinnacle of
photographic excellence, judges underwent a third and final review and
announced the top 10 category winners, who include:
Categories Category Winners
Lifestyle Desré Pickers – South Africa
Sequence David Blazek - Czech Republic
Close-Up Dawn Kish - Flagstaff, AZ
Energy Thomas Stöckli - Switzerland
Spirit Brian Bielmann - Haleiwa, HI
Playground Wojtek Antonow - Poland
Wings Fred Mortagne - France
New Creativity Jimmy Wilson - Melbourne Beach, FL
Experimental Tim McKenna - Australia
Illumination Gian Paul Lozza -Switzerland
Top honors of Illume Image of the Year was awarded to Fred Mortagne of
France for his stylized skateboarding image that had a composition
beyond expression and wowed judges. He is commissioned for the photo
shoot of a lifetime with a Red Bull athlete of choice, anywhere in the
world.
In addition to honoring top photographers and celebrating these stunning
camera explorations, the Illume opening ceremony marks the official
kick-off for the multi-city exhibition tour. Following the exhibit in
Aspen, the top 50 photographs will travel to various outdoor venues
across the U.S. and Canada in 2007 – moving next to Huntington Beach, CA
– and to unique international destinations in 2008.
Beginning Jan. 25 through Feb. 4, 2007, the Illume exhibition will open
to the public and Aspen Mountain will light up nightly with a smattering
of vivid photography expressions. This extraordinary cubed exhibit
illuminates at night and draws spectators through a maze of platforms
and staircases, while during the day the mirrored cubes offer beautiful
views of Aspen’s winter wonderland.
Click here to see some of the BMX entires in the event.
