The world-class photography exhibition is back. ALT A REVIEW had the privilege of viewing the exhibition ahead of its public opening last week, featuring a diverse display of over 300 images.
The exhibition runs across the East and West wings of Somerset House captivating my eyes as I took each step. Offering an insight into the artists working in the medium today, the Sony World Photography Awards bring the best images from the past year to Somerset House.
Here’s some photos that stood out to me:
Under the shadow of coca
This photograph by Santiago Mesa stood out for its exploration of social issues, inequality, and violence in Colombia. The work offers a glimpse into the transportation of narcotics, with Mesa gaining access to photograph these farmers simply by asking. ‘I was very honest about my intent,’ he explains. Shot on a 35mm film camera, the image carries a raw, documentary realism. Initially published in a geo magazine, the series was later submitted to Sony World Photography Awards, where it earned him a documentary award. Watch our interview here.
- Seungho Kim’s Sunny Side Egg captures the most “typical” day of parenting. This photo series explores, in depth, the true messiness of childhood and upbringing in South Korea, and it won the Perspectives category.
- Fredrik Lerneryd’s photo series highlights country music fans in Nairobi, Kenya, presenting a unique perspective of the Kenya we know. Shot over an 11-month period, it focuses on various country music events in Nairobi, including the International Cowboy Day Festival, which drew over 3,000 attendees. This series placed third in the professional competition.
Fredrik Lerneryd/Sony World Photography Awards
Sixteen and a Half: Eight Months in a Juvenile Prison
Over eight months, Alexandre Bagdassarian documented the daily lives of young detainees in one of France’s six juvenile prisons, one of the country’s least visible institutions. The photographer sought to understand what it means to be young and confronted with prison. The cold walls and silence were palpable as I looked through the photographs. This project placed third in the Documentary Projects category.
Living Photographs: Hayate Kurisu’s perspective piece of his stillborn child immediately drew my attention at first glance. It was eerie to observe what had survived and what hadn’t. Kurisu reflects, “My wife and I lost our child to stillbirth at 18 weeks of pregnancy. In the days leading up to the cremation, we spent time together at home, during which I took many photographs.” This series was deeply disheartening, and the essence of grief was powerfully conveyed. It placed second in the Perspectives category.
That was just some of the amazing photographs and there is a lot to see.
Dates 17 Apr–4 May 2026 Times Weekdays: 11am–7pm
Weekends: 11am–7pm
Bank Holiday Monday: 11am–6pm
Space East & West Wings
Price Standard Tickets £18 Combo ticket (Joel Meyerowitz Talk + Exhibition) £45
by Jamine Kamgate 2026 Journalism Intern find out more HERE. If interested and would like to support get in touch editor.pa @alt -africa.com
