Belmond announces inaugural winner of Photographic Residency at Paris Photo 2024

Belmond unveiled Cecy Young among more than 800 applicants as the first winner of its Photographic Residency during Paris Photo 2024. This initiative aims to support emerging photographic talent

Young, originally from Monterrey, Mexico, has a background in art and photography. She moved to Paris to further her studies and has developed a unique style influenced by her travels, particularly in Japan. Her winning portfolio focuses on the Japanese town of Atami, highlighting its nostalgic architecture and the impact of urbanisation on small cities.

"I have been visiting Japan almost yearly since 2014, and during my visits I was struck by scenes that seemed frozen in time," explained Young as to what compelled her to make Atami the subject of her winning portfolio. "Much of the architecture hails from the economic boom between the '60s and ‘80s. After the crash in the early '90s, many areas outside the urban centres were left behind, creating a sense of a nostalgia and better times."

She adds that she took an interest in the architecture of hotels that retain their old glamour in the Shizuoka Peninsula. Because these areas are close to Tokyo, there was an expectation that Atami and surrounding small cities would become Tokyo's vacation spots. 

"Atami, like many small Japanese cities, is changing, but the neo-futuristic architecture remains as a testament to an era of flourishing for geishas, big groups of salary men on company retreats and family summer getaways." 

"As more people flock to big cities and Japan grapples with a low birth rate, the future of its small cities and villages is uncertain. While working in this project I felt I entered a fragile Showa bubble where time stopped. My work is a documentation that seeks to treasure this sense of time standing still, the lingering echoes of a bygone era while contemplating an uncertain future.”

The residency includes an all-expenses-paid stay at a Belmond property, a financial award of €15,000 (around HK$125,600), and mentorship from industry experts. Young's work will feature prominently in Belmond's ongoing campaign, showcasing her artistic perspective.

The selection process was competitive, with over 800 applications from 10 countries. A distinguished jury, including notable figures from the photography community, chose Young for her innovative approach. This residency reflects Belmond's commitment to contemporary travel photography and its dedication to nurturing new voices in the field.

"I'm truly honoured and grateful to have been chosen for this residency. This experience will allow me to explore new creative depths and connect with a community that celebrates creativity.”

Also see: Winners for the Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year 2024