EUC Photo Contest Spring 2012
"Crossing the Atlantic: Ideas, Images, People"
This year’s EU Center Photo Contest theme is “Crossing the Atlantic: Ideas, Images, People.” Your photos may depict Europe’s presence in the United States, or the U.S.’s presence in Europe. In light of the 2008 financial crisis and its continuing repercussions, Americans and Europeans are feeling the effects of each other’s struggles and hardships. This transatlantic relationship is rooted in years of cooperation and mutual support. As we overcome these struggles, our shared values and common economic strength will deepen our partnership. We would like to see how these connections are lived by the people who make up this constituency.
Winner will Receive:
- 1st Place - $50 gift card (IU Bookstore)
- 2nd Place - $35 gift card (IU Bookstore)
- 3rd Place - $20 gift card (IU Bookstore)
The winning photos will be displayed at the University of Illinois EU Center's annual European Union Day on March 29, 2012 and on the EU Center website. Winners will also be invited to European Union Day events including the keynote address and the following reception and luncheon.
Rules:
- Email photos and submission form in digital format to eucenter@illinois.edu (keep in mind winning photos will be enlarged to 8x10)
- Include a signed and completed submission form (.doc, .pdf)
- No more than five photos per person
- Each photo needs a title and caption (maximum 100 word explanation on how your photo addresses the contest theme)
- U of I students, faculty, and staff are eligible to enter the contest
- Submissions must be received by 4 PM, Wednesday, February 29, 2012
CONGRATULATIONS TO SPRING 2012 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS!
1st Place
"Germany Chooses Freedom" - Jerry Vassalla (Grad Student, EU Studies)
The direct influence of Americans in Germany may have subsided with the reduction of American soldiers following the end of the Cold War but American presence in Germany is still alive in many ways. Here in Nuremberg Lady Liberty is employed as an iconic representation of freedom. The advertisement uses the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of the cellular freedom that it is selling.
2nd Place
"U.S. Hot Dog Stand in Paris" - Nicole Crifase (Freshman, Global Studies)
This is a "U.S. Hot Dog" stand in Paris, France. This photo represents the negative aspects of globalization. As we globalize, the world is losing its many different cultures and forming one, single culture. We can see this in the Wal-Mart’s or McDonald's that are expanding across the globe. This is a small representation of a business owner trying tocompete with American franchises. However, as the picture shows, he isn't doing so badly.
3rd Place
“Syntagma” - Alexis Georgiadis (Junior, Broadcast Journalism)
Makeshift stands are shown set up in Syntagma Square, a central point in Athens across from the Parliament building. Although the mass media often depicts this area in chaos, most days it was filled with peaceful protestors who often camped out overnight. This temporary community has since been removed as part of a government mandate.
Honorable Mentions
“Bridging the View” - Stephanie Morgenthaler (Junior, Architectural Studies/History)
This image shows a bridge of universal styles of architecture brought together within one. These styles all reflect styles, which crossed over the oceans and brought people of different nations together through the similar styles of these times.
“Money and Morals: Is Europe’s Value System Endangered?” - Michael Schock and Ryan Powell (Juniors, NRES/German)
In response to the chronic climate of crisis in Europe, leading Austrian institutions (Der Standard. Die Erste Bank, and the Burgtheater) hosted the next in the series: “Debating Europe.” Their guests, Gesine Schwan (political scientist and SPD presidential candidate 2004/2009), Peter Eigen (founder of Transparency International), Heiner Geißler -politician and retired German Federal Minister), and Christoph Schönborn (Archbishop of Vienna) discussed “Money and Morals: Is Europe’s Value System Endangered?” Decrying consumerism, greed, and corruption, they emphasized the need to better balance freedom, justice, and solidarity. All agreed equal measures of political, economic, and civil action are imperative for viable solutions. WE AGREE!
