German Youth Photo Award: A PICTURE OF MYSELF

Portraits, Self-Portraits, and Self-Presentations Through the Ages

Gewinner/innen des Deutschen Jugendfotopreises | Winners of the German Youth Photo Award

The urge to defy convention, the struggle with society and state authority, the decision in favour of autonomous presentation: the pictures embody the desires, hopes, and anxieties of young people – as emotional moments and analytic surveys, as statements of sentiment and rigidity as well as love and a readiness to fight. This exhibition highlights the interaction between upheaval and turmoil in phases of coming of age and societal change; it sends the viewer on a journey through time and self-questioning, providing insight into inner and outer worlds that only young people can visualise in this way.
For over 50 years, the German Youth Photo Award has provided a forum for young photographers. The award is hosted by the Centre for Youth and Children’s Films in Germany (KJF) on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. The winning photographs are archived at the German Historical Museumin Berlin.