Award at the Prix de la Photographie Paris 2024
I am delighted to announce that my photo series “Midnight Refuel” has been awarded third place in the Industrial Architecture category at the renowned Prix de la Photographie Paris (PX3) 2024. The PX3, one of the most respected photography competitions, attracts photographers from around the world every year who submit their best work to be judged by an international jury. Since its foundation, the competition has established itself in the art and photography scene and stands for excellence, creativity and innovation in photography. For me, a placement at the PX3 is not only a great honor, but also a significant step in the international recognition of my work.
The story behind the series: Midnight Refuel
My award-winning photo series “Midnight Refuel” deals with Spanish gas stations at night, capturing the surreal beauty and stark contrast of these brightly lit islands in the darkness. Each shot shows these roadside oases as beacons of light and life, offering weary travelers a moment of respite. These gas stations stand as symbols of the golden age of internal combustion engines, reminiscent of an era of transportation that is gradually giving way to the rise of electric vehicles and charging stations.
Through carefully composed shots, taken with a high-resolution Hasselblad medium format camera, the series highlights the interplay of light and shadow, emphasizing the architectural details as well as the uncanny yet comforting glow of these modern waypoints. The sterile, utilitarian structures contrast with the vast darkness of their surroundings, creating a powerful visual narrative. “Midnight Refuel” not only documents the functional brilliance of gas stations, but also invites viewers to reflect on the transient nature of progress and the ever-changing landscape of travel and technology. These photographs, with their intense play of light and their lonely presence, evoke a sense of nostalgia and thoughtfulness – perfect additions to art galleries or corporate collections of mineral oil companies looking to celebrate their heritage.
I am proud to be part of this prestigious platform with “Midnight Refuel” and look forward to continuing to share this series and its deeper meaning with the world. Further information on the Prix de la Photographie Paris and this year's winners can be found on the official website.
