The winners of the 2025 'Recklinghausen Illuminates' photography contest have been officially announced, with a jury selecting three outstanding photographs that best captured the essence of the annual light festival. Photographer Meike Oblau took first place with her striking image of the world globe installation inside St. Peter's Church, which the jury praised for its artistic composition and symbolic representation of the festival's global appeal.
The photography competition, which ran alongside this year's 'Recklinghausen Illuminates' light festival, attracted submissions from both professional and amateur photographers throughout the region. Participants were challenged to capture the magical atmosphere and artistic installations that transformed the city during the event, which has become one of the most anticipated cultural celebrations in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Oblau's winning photograph showcases the illuminated world globe art installation positioned within the historic St. Peter's Church, creating a powerful juxtaposition between contemporary light art and traditional religious architecture. The image demonstrates exceptional technical skill in capturing the interplay of light and shadow while conveying the festival's theme of unity and global connection through artistic expression.
The jury, comprised of local photography experts and cultural representatives, evaluated submissions based on criteria including artistic merit, technical quality, and how effectively each image captured the spirit of the 'Recklinghausen Illuminates' festival. The competition served not only as a celebration of photography but also as a way to document and preserve memories of the community's annual light celebration.
The 'Recklinghausen Illuminates' festival has grown significantly in popularity over the years, attracting thousands of visitors who come to experience the city's transformation through spectacular light installations, projections, and artistic displays. The photography contest has become an integral part of the event, encouraging community participation and providing a platform for local artists to showcase their talent while celebrating their city's cultural heritage.
