Once again, January sees the UK’s high streets, rail stations and shopping centres transform into a national art gallery, as JCDecaux’s digital screens light up with faces. This is Portrait of Britain, an initiative which launched in 2016 to showcase the diversity of modern Britain. The collaboration between British Journal of Photography and JCDecaux takes place annually, and this year’s edition “reaffirms the award’s commitment to public space, public attention and public storytelling.” It was judged by representatives from leading organisations like BAFTA and Photo London, as well as renowned artists including Dennis Morris and Rene Matić. Meet ten of the 100 winning photographers, and read what they had to say about their images.
Kirtana Rajeev (left) | “When Kate first reached out to collaborate, we discussed how we could merge fashion and culture in a way that felt honest and deeply personal. Kate [spoke] about her Guyanese-Caribbean heritage and what it meant to grow up British while carrying the truth and beauty of her roots.”
Jack Lawson (right) | “Elvira owned an independent shop on Clapham High Street. Anyone who has walked along that road would recognise her impeccable dress sense and infectious smile. Unfortunately, like many independent shops, it has now closed and is another vacant storefront on a high street.”
Kymara Akinpelumi (left) | When Akinpelumi was diagnosed with cancer in 2019, her life as a young athlete changed. During this time, her sister, Kaitlyn, pushed her body to the limits through competitive running. She has recently empowered Kymara to also use running as a source of healing. “Watching my sister able to push her body reminds me of my blood and DNA, and what I’m capable of. Because of Kaitlyn, I want to reclaim my body, to give it the love and strength it deserves. She’s my role model.”
Wendy Carrig (right) | “Percussionist and composer Beibei Wang repurposed a discarded metal sheet in a new musical composition celebrating Romney Marsh. The metal was found on the shingle near Dungeness.”
Ritchie Elder (left) | “Portrait of Alaa, a member of the Muslim Women’s Association of Edinburgh. This image is from my documentary project Faith, which examines the diversity of religious experience and identity in Edinburgh. This work seeks to foster a deeper understanding of how spirituality shapes daily life, culture and community. It highlights the unique expressions of religion across different communities, exploring the intersection of faith and personal identity.”
Lucho Dávila (right) | “Fanesca – Chapter 4: La Santísima Tragedia draws from La Mama Negra, a syncretic celebration blending Indigenous, Spanish and African traditions in Latacunga, Ecuador. Rooted in colonial trauma and volcanic devotion, it honours La Virgen de la Merced – credited with halting Cotopaxi’s 1742 eruption – through a ritual of resistance, faith and performative transformation.”
Natasha Shokri (left) | “Kasturi was born to Indian parents. Although she has lived her life in the UK, Indian culture has been deeply rooted in her upbringing and is an extremely important part of her identity.”
Stephanie Siân Smith (right) | Smith’s portrait of Crystal Marshall is part of the Changing Faces Campaign, which “seeks to shift perceptions in the media and in society, advocating for greater visibility and representation of individuals who identify with having a visible difference.”
Capri McPherson-Noel (left) | “Tangled together by kinks, coils and care. The importance of Black siblinghood and Black hair is a rich, layered theme that beautifully weaves together identity, heritage, and connection. We are our own protectors of us and our culture. We must stand united. Be proud.”
Stephen Iliffe (right) | “Photography was invented in the 1830s, just as the deaf community began to emerge. And yet two centuries later, deaf people are still almost invisible in the art photography canon. My project Deaf Mosaic is all about changing this … I’m a huge admirer of the sign language performance artist Sarah Adedeji for how she makes being deaf a cool fashion statement.”
View all 100 winners here.
The winning portraits will appear on JCDecaux digital screens across the UK until 8 February.
The Portrait of Britain – Volume 8 photo book is published by Bluecoat Press.
