Documenting youth and change: Ekaterina Frolova wins the Patricia D. Richards Legacy Award
We are thrilled to announce Ekaterina Frolova as the winner of The Patricia D. Richards Legacy Award. This newly introduced Under 35 Special Prize at the URBAN Photo Awards is a heartfelt tribute to the late Patricia D. Richards, whose legacy as a passionate educator and photography lover continues to inspire emerging talents. Ekaterina’s work stood out for its depth, and her ability to explore complex human-environment interactions with sensitivity and nuance.
A journey of exploration and reflection
Ekaterina Frolova’s portfolio “Young Cuba” exemplifies her documentary approach, weaving together her background in journalism and cultural studies. Her work is driven by her fascination with subtle controversies and the energy of youth. Exploring the intricate relationships between people, space, and time, she captures the evolving environment in a way that evokes deep emotion and thought.
In her own words, Ekaterina expresses immense gratitude for receiving this award:
Celebrating Patricia D. Richards’ legacy
The Patricia D. Richards Legacy Award commemorates the spirit of a remarkable individual whose dedication to both photography and education has left a lasting mark. This award not only honors Patricia’s legacy but also elevates the visibility of young photographers globally, providing them with a platform to share their artistic visions at one of Europe’s most prestigious photography festivals, Trieste Photo Days.
Cultural organizations dotART and Exhibit Around, organizers and promoters of the URBAN Photo Awards contest and Trieste Photo Days – international photography festival, thank the Family and Friends of Patricia D. Richards for the support in creating this Award.
Comment from the Special Juror Denis Curti
This year’s judging panel was led by the renowned Denis Curti, a pivotal figure in the photography world. Curti has worked with some of the most celebrated photographers, including Elliott Erwitt and Robert Capa, and has been instrumental in shaping the photography scene in Italy through various roles, including curating the first photography auctions for Sotheby’s in Milan.
Denis Curti on Frolova’s Work: Her studies in photography have allowed her to delve into various cultural and visual references. She herself acknowledges being greatly inspired by the works of Simon Roberts, Annie Leibovitz, Martin Parr, and Anastasia Tsayder. For Ekaterina, it is essential to maintain a project-based approach to photography, one that leaves no room for chance. This is how she gracefully and elegantly constructs contemporary scenes that embrace a sense of belonging and sincerity. Ekaterina, even if only ideally, is part of that group of young people. Her gaze contains a fundamental and current sentiment of inclusivity, and her photographs become poetry for the eyes.”.
About Ekaterina Frolova
Ekaterina Frolova is a documentary photographer based in Limassol with an academic background in journalism and cultural studies. Her work delves into the dynamic interplay between people, space, time, and the environment, often focusing on youth as a source of hope and resilience. She earned her Master’s Degree in Photography and Design from ELISAVA in Barcelona, and her impressive education includes courses at TSEKH in Saint Petersburg, the New York Film Academy, and West Virginia University.
Her portfolio has been featured in various exhibitions, including En Quadrat at the Igualada Art Festival in 2024, Looking for a Title at Nau Bostik in 2023, and La Gran Bellesa at Museu Can Framis in Barcelona. She also recently received recognition in the Life Framer competition, under the theme Youth.
Discover more about Ekaterina Frolova on her website and Instagram @ekaterinafrolova.ph.
