Worldly View

Art has a way of transporting the observer to a period of history, a moment in time, a scene that defined an era or an exotic location that conjure mental images of that dream vacation. The art of photography is perhaps one of the truest forms of capturing realism in the everyday, whether that’s a colorful scene playing out among boys hanging out in Dakar, Senegal, or the traditional Royal Highland Festival on sweeping land in Bhutan.

These scenes are not mere hypotheticals but rather represent photographs by students that took some of the top awards at this year’s Imagining the World photo competition presented by the College of Arts and Sciences in conjunction with campus partners.  

An exhibition showcasing these works and more kicks off April 30 at an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. on the second floor of the Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons. The exhibit will be on display through September 6. 

The exhibit will feature a collection of 23 images made up of eight winners and 15 honorable mentions, which were selected out of a total of 145 submissions.

Each image in this show tells a unique story and reflecting that are turns moving, profound and revelatory, captured by students, staff and faculty during transformative cultural immersion trips in the states and abroad. From bustling cityscapes to serene landscapes, Imagining the World offers a glimpse into the world’s diverse tapestry. 

“We are proud that this exciting project has returned after a four-year hiatus,” says David Powers, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “We were ready to host the 12th annual exhibition in April 2020, when the pandemic closed our doors. This edition is a testament not only to the university and college commitment to student engagement with global issues and communities, but it is also a testament to the energy and resiliency of our community.”

The photo competition is divided into three categories: Education Abroad, International Student and Faculty/Staff. Here’s a look at the top winners in each category: 

Education Abroad 
First Place: “Boys of Dakar,” Senegal
By Hannah Sutherland, ’24 (BFA Photography, Minor in French)
The photographer’s perspective: “I studied the French language in different francophone speaking countries, and I found my camera to be another tool of communication. Learning a new language in a foreign country is challenging to say the least, but my photography was a way to tell stories where words failed to express.”

“Boys of Dakar,” Senegal

Second Place: “Royal Highland Festival,” Bhutan
By Sahil Bathija, ’23, (Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science with Minors in Philosophy and English; Specialization in Legal Studies)
The photographer’s perspective: “My experience in the Kingdom of Bhutan was unlike any other I have encountered. It was a privilege to explore what many believe to be the last Shangri-La and immerse myself into such a unique cultural heritage.”

“Royal Highland Festival,” Bhutan

Third Place: “June at Work,” Sāmoa
By Katlyn Wong, B’24 (Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a Specialization in Politics, Policy and Justice)
The photographer’s perspective: “This country is filled to the brim with people that are full of live and resilience, and the children are especially curious little rays of sunshine that reminded me of what it is like to be a kid again. These photos are just a glimpse of what life is like in Sāmoa, and they are a piece of my love letter to this beautiful country.”

“June at Work,” Sāmoa

International Student Winners
First Place: “The World From Above,” Utah (USA)
By Shreshtha Alok, ’24 (Public Administration)
The photographer’s perspective: “For me taking photographs is a way of reflecting over my thoughts and perception of the world that resides inside me.”

“The World From Above,” Utah (USA)

Second Place: “Where Do I Want To Go?,” New York (USA)
By Rinko Tsuchiya, ’25 (Bachelor of Arts in English, a Minor in Theatre)
The photographer’s perspective: “I came to Seattle in September 2023 to begin living abroad for the first time in my life. With a mixture of anticipation and anxiety, I am excited about life in America and am now, and will continue to be, expanding my possibilities more and more.”

“Where Do I Want To Go?,” New York (USA)

Third Place: “Relationships,” Washington (USA)
By Kana Komoto, ’25 (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science)
The photographer’s perspective: “On the plane to Seattle, I was crying. Without my family, without my friends. I was alone. The shadow of myself standing on my own feet in the sunset cheered me up. Four months later, I finally know I am not alone now. Sunsets over the sea remind me of my family and friends across the ocean.”

“Relationships,” Washington (USA)

Staff/Faculty Winners
First Place: “Si Huno Genocidio (Yes there was a genocide),” Guatemala
By Serena Cosgrove, PhD, Associate Professor, International Studies and Director, Latin American and Latinx Studies
The photographer’s perspective: “The photo I am submitting is from Holy Week 2022 in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. This was the first time after COVID that the Holy Week processions had resumed and was very special for all involved. I was in Guatemala at the time carrying out research about women’s activism to end gender-violence in the post-civil war period.

“Si Huno Genocidio (Yes there was a genocide),” Guatemala

Second Place: “Rooftops of Seville,” Spain
By Marc Cohen, PhD, Professor, Departments of Management and Philosophy
The photographer’s perspective: “All of these photographs were taken in Spain, where I attended the International Association of Jesuit Business Schools conference, July 2023. The conference was hosted by Loyola University Andalusia, which has campuses in Seville and Cordóba. The complex historical connections between the different religious communities-periods of peaceful coexistence and also conquest/request – were visible in the cities and the buildings.”

 “Rooftops of Seville,” Spain

“As a Jesuit university in the heart of an incredibly globally engaged region of the world, our aim is to educate the whole person—by cultivating the qualities of curiosity, respect, collaboration, reciprocity, humility, and service—toward the goal of creating truly global leaders for a just and humane world,” says Vice Provost for Global Engagement and Professor Laura Spitz. “This competition reflects and captures the spirit of that commitment.”