Forced Growth
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PrizeHonorable Mention
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PhotographerNadal Antelmo, United States
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Date of Photograph2026
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StudioNadal
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Website
Forced Growth stages a forced union between organic life and technology. A root entwined with a USB cable suggests a system where growth depends on connection. Not evolution, but adaptation.
Nadal Antelmo (Cárdenas, Cuba, 1968) is a Cuban-American creator whose photographic and digital work explores the relationship between image, language, and social memory. Since the 1990s, he has developed conceptual projects combining photography, digital manipulation, and symbolic strategies. In 2003, he began his personal technique, Silabismos Fotocubiertos, based on the fragmentation of words and their dialogue with images. His work has been exhibited internationally and is part of public and private collections.
Awards Throughout his career, Nadal Antelmo has received numerous awards in national salons, biennials, and international photography contests, particularly in the fields of contemporary photography and digital art. His work has been recognized for its conceptual approach, visual experimentation, and critical engagement with social and cultural themes.
Among his most notable distinctions are the Grand Prize at the 10th National Erotic Art Salon in Havana (2004), the First Prize at the 7th National Digital Art Salon in Havana (2005), and the First Prize at the International Community Photography Salon in Havana (2005). He also received an Award at the 6th Havana Photography Biennial (2004) and a Special Mention at the Ibero-American Photography Contest the same year.
In earlier stages of his career, he was awarded the First Prize at the Roberto Diago Provincial Salon in Matanzas in both 2001 and 2008, as well as the Second Prize in the same salon in 2000. He also received the Award at the 1st UNEAC Visual Arts Salon in Matanzas (2001).
His recognition continued with the Award and Mention at the 1st National Photography Biennial Alfredo Sarabia (2003), the Second Prize at the Winter Salon UNEAC (2006), and the First Prize at the 3rd Winter Salon UNEAC (2008). In 2010, he received both the Award at the 19th Roberto Diago Salon and the Annual Award from Revista Matanzas.