Global Photography Exhibition captures stillness in everyday life around the world
February 18, 2025UNC Global Affairs
More than 70 guests — photographers and finalists, friends and families — gathered in the Florence and James Peacock Atrium to celebrate the opening of the 2025 Carolina Global Photography Exhibition.
In the FedEx Global Education Center, 36 new photos are on display as part of the 2025 Carolina Global Photography Exhibition, which officially opened on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
More than 70 guests — photographers and finalists, friends and families — gathered in the Florence and James Peacock Atrium for the opening reception to recognize the exhibition’s photographs and their photographers. This year’s finalists — chosen from more than 500 submissions — were taken on six continents and in 24 countries.
During the reception, Carolina’s Vice Provost for Global Affairs and Chief Global Officer Barbara Stephenson remarked on this year’s exhibition, celebrating its theme of appreciating life’s quiet moments that often go unrecognized.
“Diplomacy and service — the work I have dedicated my life to — require deep listening. In this noisy world, opportunities to form real, meaningful connection with others can easily be drowned out,” Stephenson said. “We do ourselves a disservice if we’re always ‘on send’ and overlook the opportunities life gives us to quietly receive.”
The annual competition is open to all Carolina faculty, staff, students and alumni. This year’s panel of judges chose the 36 photographs taken by 33 different photographers: 17 undergraduate students, seven faculty or staff members, five alumni and four graduate students.
Finalist Ashtyn Kelly ’26 took her photograph, “Art Blooms Where History Lingers,” in Tallinn, Estonia. Kelly, who is studying management and society, traveled to 31 countries in six months in 2024. Of the thousands of photos she took, she particularly loved this one.
“I was drawn to the quiet yet powerful presence of the artist in Tallinn’s medieval Old Town,” Kelly said. “All of these paintings told different perspectives of life and how we must live in the moment and appreciate every aspect of life around us, even the less exciting ones.”
According to Kelly, photography invites audiences to have a conversation in a universal language, one that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. She hopes other Tar Heels travel with curiosity and, in turn, share their experiences with the rest of Carolina.
“In a world that often values speed and productivity, taking photos forced me to notice the little things around me,” she said, “reminding me of the importance of stillness, observation and human connection through art.”
Dalia Namak, ’25 (MBA) took her photo, “Hermanos in the Hills,” during her Global Immersion Elective in Marus, Peru, with UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. During the course, Namak spent time with the Misminay community, which taught the students about Peruvian culture and traditions. She submitted her photo because she wanted to honor the Misminay community and encourage others at Carolina to find gratitude in their lives.
“There is a beautiful, reflective essence to the fundamental gratitude they have for everything they are given, especially from the earth,” Namak said. “To see how life is in different settings, to realize that we humans are fundamentally all the same with equal needs — safety, health, wellness and love — is a privilege that we get to experience together through art.”
For more than 20 years, the Carolina Global Photography Competition has provided an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and alumni to share images from around the world to foster curiosity, empathy and appreciation for the world. This year’s exhibition encourages deep listening and leaning into life’s more ordinary moments.
“Whatever your instrument is — a camera, a paintbrush, your voice, maybe it’s your ability to innovate or problem-solve or empathize — use it. And create something beautiful,” Stephenson said at the reception.
UNC Global Affairs invites guests to view the exhibition in the FedEx Global Education Center, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or in the virtual gallery.
First Place
Isabelle Kaufman, “Master Weaver of Awana Kancha”
Second Place
Hengli Wang, “Art of Tea”
Third Place
Wendy Wu, “Weave the Story”
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