The portrait of an Egyptian jasmine seller wins “Africa Focus”

A portrait of Merbat, a seller of jasmine in Cairo’s Mounira morning market, has won the seventh Africa Focus photographic competition organised by Casa África, on the theme of the market. The picture by Miguel Ángel Sánchez competed against 958 other photographs taken by 243 people from 20 different countries. Charged with purpose and expression, the image of Merbat stands out for the textures, the quality of the use of light and a painterly chiaroscuro. According to the jury, composed of the specialists Cristina R. Court, Pilar Fernández Vilorio and Nacho González Oramas, it is important to note “the delicacy and sincerity of the gaze of the protagonist”, which form part of the living essence of the Egyptian city. The winner is Spanish, as are the winner of the third prize and the photograph which received special mention, while the second prize goes to Argentina.

The second prize of 200 euros, went to the image Mujeres de Hausakope / Women of Hausakope taken on the eastern shore of Lake Volta (Ghana) by Patricio Peñalba, and the third, with equal strength in Segunda oportunidad / Second Chance by Nuria Murillo Lara, which reflects a moment captured in a second-hand clothes market in Kenya. Special mention went to Quico García and Workers Owino Market, taken in Kampala (Uganda) and featurring three women resting at their vegetable stall.

• Download the jury’s decision