FROM THE WAVE TO THE WALL: MY WIN AT CANON #ARTUNSCROLLED & THE EXHIBITION AT RHEINRIFF DÜSSELDORF
- Kira Brüssau
- vor 1 Tag
- 3 Min. Lesezeit
Sometimes life writes the best stories - and they often start with a message from a friend and a “I’ll just give it a try.” Today I’d like to tell you about one of the biggest highlights of my career as a photographer so far: winning the Canon Germany photo contest #Artunscrolled and the subsequent exhibition at the Rheinriff in Düsseldorf.
FEMALE EMPOWERMENT THROUGH MY LENS IN SURF, SPORTS & LIFESTYLE
When the contest was announced under the theme “Surf & Beach,” I knew right away which photos would tell my story. I submitted my photo series “Female Empowerment in Surf,” which was shot in Sri Lanka.
My photography focuses on genuine moments of strength, vulnerability, and freedom in women. My camera is the connection that builds trust and intimacy. I want to empower women - not by imposing a role on them, but by giving them space to be themselves, thereby challenging and redefining their image within the social context. I find inspiration in the strength and authenticity of women who forge their own path in surfing and in life. My motivation is to make this authenticity visible and to encourage and inspire women in their freedom and strength through my images.
WHEN DREAMS TAKE ON GRAND SCALE: THE EXHIBITION AT THE RHEINRIFF
The highlight of the competition was the opportunity to exhibit my work alongside three other talented winners at Rheinriff Düsseldorf. On September 24, 2025, we celebrated the opening - and what can I say? The venue was perfect. For six days, visitors could immerse themselves in the world of our photography amidst: action on the standing wave, cool drinks and electronic beats.
It was an exhilarating feeling to see my own work displayed on such a large scale in such a modern, urban surfing environment.
AN EVENING FULL OF SURPRISES & HIGH-END EQUIPMENT
The opening night was not only an emotional success, but also had some tangible surprises in store. Canon and its partners really went all out: In addition to a beautiful, large-format print of one of my photos, I was thrilled to receive the Canon EOS R50 (perfect for video content!), six months of free equipment rental, an Academy gift card, and an analog camera complete with Ilford film.
The next absolute highlight? We winners got to surf exclusively on the standing wave at Rheinriff for an hour - right in front of our own exhibited works. A moment I won’t forget anytime soon!
NEW DIRECTIONS: THE PARTNERSHIP WITH ILFORD
This event has led to something much bigger. Over the course of the evening, a collaboration with Ilford developed, which has now culminated in our very own online shop! There, you’ll soon be able to purchase my photographs as high-quality, framed fine art prints for your own home. This brings us full circle - from a fleeting wave to a timeless work of art on your wall.
Ilford had printed our prints in large format on water-resistant paper for the exhibition, and the quality still holds up impressively even after hanging in the environment for 6 days!
MY TAKEAWAY: EVERY OPPORTUNITY IS A WIN
How did I find out about the contest? By pure chance! A friend sent me the link because she immediately thought of me when she heard about it. I was actually already mentally planning my next trip to Sri Lanka, which I cut short on the spot to take this opportunity.
What did I learn from this?
Seize every opportunity that comes your way. You never know what doors it might open. Even if you don’t win, you’ll have tried and grown from the experience. But if you do win... it might just change everything.
So: Take the plunge, submit your projects, and say “yes” when adventure calls. Let’s go!
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