‘Humanity is now standing at a crossroads. We must decide which path we want to take.’ Greta Thunberg
In May 2020 1854 Media unveiled the two hundred shortlisted images for the year's Portrait of Humanity award. The images, taken before the world went into lockdown, provide a global representation of everything that makes us human, with photographers from thirty-six countries showcasing images taken around the globe.
The images were captured by photographers from all levels in various formats, and show arresting faces with touching anecdotes that remind us of our common struggles, our deep bonds and–perhaps most importantly in light of the COVID-19 crisis–the restorative power of community.
The one hundred winning images will be announced in September, when they are going on a global tour and will be shown internationally on Clear Channel digital screens. All shortlisted images will be shown in the Portrait of Humanity 2020 book, published by Hoxton Mini Press.
For the first time, 1854 Media also teamed up with Sent Into Space, a company that specialises in taking images of the Earth from edge of space. They will be launching a framed screen that will exhibit all shortlisted images 111,000 feet in the air. A 360 degree camera will be attached so the photographers will be able to see their work against the backdrop of our amazing planet.
The coverage for the shortlist was featured in over 100 articles in 31 different countries including The Guardian (UK), BBC News (Worldwide), CNN (USA), The Times (UK), The i (UK), Daily Mail Online (Australia), Big Issue (Australia), Marie Claire (Hungary), News Mail (Russia), and VNExpress (Vietnam).