We live in a world where the political landscape is becoming more fragmented, and this leads to an increased polarization. The news depicts a rather dramatic worldview characterized by breaches of values that were previously taken for granted. Headlines are often dominated by themes such as economic downturns, war, the climate crisis, and political scandals. These are topics that divide us, and when discussed in closed echo chambers, public debate becomes more intense. The heightened level of conflict threatens both freedom of expression and human rights. Pandemics, civil disobedience, climate change, and war contribute to the fact that we are living in a state of perpetual exemption, and we are forced to take sides on every issue. Meanwhile, inequalities and class divides grow. Democratic dialogue becomes very challenging when power balances are shifting, and uncertainty reigns.

For this year's Oslo Negativ, we want to see photographic projects that shed light on ruptures with the past and the values we may have taken for granted. We want stories about minds closing and doors opening, about undercurrents setting the agenda, about solidarity and skepticism, about subcultures and popular movements, about injustice and rebellion, about underground and mainstream, about power and powerlessness, about inequalities and brotherhood. We want to see projects that problematize what is difficult but also attempt to look at the opportunities that exist in this time of upheaval.

What winners receive

The winning submission will receive a cash prize of 15.000 NOK and will be offered a place in the collection of Preus Museum. The winner will also be given the opportunity to have a solo exhibition at Oslo Negativ Photo Festival 2025. Preus Museum covers the production costs of the solo exhibition at Oslo Negativ Photo Festival 2025 with a price cap set to 10.000 NOK. Preus Museum will curate the solo exhibition at Oslo Negativ Photo Festival 2025 in dialogue with the winner.

The winner will be announced on October 20. 2024