Congratulations!

The professionalism of the photographer comes through amazingly when he says:-

"In these situations, you just shoot photos. It is what it is. We're just photographers. I consider myself just a worker. I just witness what is going on in front of me, and shoots photos. That's it."

No ego or any personality getting in the way of the situation. Congrats to the prize winner and in awe of the evident humility.

I had to google Michelangelo's Pietà after reading this but to be honest, I did not have to in order to read or like the photo. It enabled me to witness a beautiful moment well worth capturing showing photojournalism's power to speak to audiences in an accessible language.

p.s. "But I think there was always this feeling that it had a religious undertone." - a photo of a fully-veiled muslim woman has a 'religious undertone'? My word those WPP jury members abstract feelings are sharp aren't they!!

What about ?

Ironic that you feel necessary to link in to a Christian icon for it to make sense to you.
Jews, like Muslims, Buddhists or atheists have no idea what the Pieta is and even if they do, they certainly do not have a connection to it.
Why can't a photography journal appreciate an image for what it is instead to what it references too ?

Accusing for linking to a familiar subject is a suprise

Dear Grappy Gosto I am afraid your comment depicts ignorance of semiotics, postmodern theory, and in general every important philosophical concept and theory, including art and the art of photography.

Humans think by references, by hypertext and by linking to familiar subjects.
As many comments have said the picture is a masterpiece showing the universality of human suffering.
For many of us familiar with art, believers or not, the image rings the same bells as El Greco Pietas or Michael Angelo's, but always as a reference to the universal suffering.
This is about art and familiarity not religion.
In the same spirit I would have to accuse you for using English which is not my mother language.

"Your comment depicts ignorance"

Dear et,

I just liked the photo for the moment. I have not got a clue about what you are on about.

I guess that makes most people like me undeserving of the higher art form that is photography.

I think photography is great. Look at Photodump from VICE magazine and have a laugh.

I love photography but I guess if you are right, my ignorance means that I do not deserve to love something I do not fully understand.

Maybe I should not be here at all as I no longer feel clever or welcome enough.

Or maybe I have to work harder to be part of this culture before being accepted as part of its audience?

Regards,

An ignorant lover of photographs.

P.S There is a massive hint here as to why photojournalism has become so out of touch as a medium of mass communication.

et too snobus?

'For many of us familiar with art' - loved this line! Oh et, your post really has made my day. The harder you have try, the less you can achive.