The photo was taken by Mads Nissen on the last of three journeys in Russia, where he documented Russian persecution of homosexuals. The pictures was published in the Danish national daily newspapers Berlingske and BT. Mads Nissen now works for the daily Politiken.
It is the third time photographers from Berlingske Media – owners of Scanpix – wins the worlds most prestigious photo award.
“For many years we have been tied with The Washington Post as the only two media groups in the world to receive the award twice. Today, with the help of Mads, we have achieved it for the third time,” says Photo Editor Søren Lorenzen, Scanpix.
“The award is a testimony to Scanpix as an extremely ambitious photo agency with unique news photos as well as iconic photojournalism on an exceptional international level,” says Søren Lorenzen, who describes the award winning photo like this:
“The picture posesses a strong narrative because it encapsulates both intimacy and love. But at the same time it appears gloomy, dramatic and almost eerie. It tells the story of the persecuted homosexual couple, who still defiantly live out their sexuality in safety behind heavy, secure curtains that shields them from an uncomprehending world. The lighting and mood is almost divine, and brings to mind Rembrandt and the rennaissance masters.”
The intimate image of Jonathan Jacques Louis, 21, and Alexander Semyonov, 25 is part of a larger project by Nissen called “Homophobia in Russia”. He said he sees the image, as “a modern-day Romeo and Juliet story” about two people in love but facing outside forces who want to deny them their feelings.
