Photo Essay

British Photographer Mandy Barker dedicates her photography to raising awareness of plastic pollution in our oceans. Even after 12 years, she portrays the many perspectives of the issue in captivating and compelling ways. By combining scientific research and fine art photography, she highlights the harmful effect on marine life and ourselves – inspiring the viewer to take action.

In his series “Open Wounds,” Iraqi Kurdish photographer Younes Mohammad tells the stories of Peshmerga veterans and their families battling war’s physical and mental marks. Younes, who has worked as a photojournalist and translator during the fight against the Islamic State, shifted his practice towards an artistic approach to portray his subjects in an intimate way that differs from fast-paced news media coverage.