The New Cosmos of Photography is Canon's cultural support project to discover, nurture, and support new photographers pursuing new possibilities in creative photographic expression. For 30 years, from the start in 1991 to the end of the competition in 2021, the contest has been open to the public regardless of the age or nationality of the contestant or the size or format of entered works and has fostered creative activities that bring out new possibilities from photography.
The New Cosmos of Photography was held a total of 44 times, thanks in large part to the kind support and cooperation of the renowned photographers, videographers, artists, curators, and photo and art critics from Japan and abroad who judged the contests. The New Cosmos of Photography produced 1,126 award winners and turned out a great number of outstanding photographers who are enjoying widespread success the world over.
Photography has been around for more than 200 years. With the dissemination of digital cameras and smartphones, we now live in an age in which anyone can easily take and enjoy photographs. We have also witnessed photographic expressions flourish and expand in ways unimaginable, through interactions with adjacent artforms such as painting and illustrations. Despite the seismic changes in the landscape surrounding photography, the New Cosmos of Photography continually posed the questions — “What can we do through photography?” “What is possible only through photography?” — and provided a stage for creators seeking to breathe new life into photography.
Since the contest's inception, our greatest wish was that it be a place that encouraged talented individuals pioneering the next generation of creative expressions and where new photographers could take their first big step. Fueled by this desire, we have promoted the project.
Canon will continue to contribute to the development of photographic culture through various activities. We sincerely hope for the future success of all award winners.
