BORÅS.- Dr. Dimitris Makrygiannakis, a senior consultant in rheumatology at Stockholm's Karolinska University Hospital, has traded his stethoscope for a camera lens, and the results are capturing international attention. Makrygiannakis has been awarded the prestigious Lars Tunbjörk Prize for 2024, a recognition usually bestowed upon established professional photographers. This year, the jury made an exception, recognizing Makrygiannakis's unique talent for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.

"He goes beyond the frame," the jury stated in their motivation. "With his compositions, he finds surreal angles, often with humor, in completely ordinary everyday situations. He has an intelligent eye and a unique style unlike anything else."

Makrygiannakis's journey into photography began in 2010 after a series of personal events sparked a newfound passion. What started as a hobby quickly became an integral part of his life, a creative outlet alongside his demanding medical career. While he initially focused on street photography, his lens now captures anything he finds artistically compelling.

The exhibition at the Borås Art Museum showcases not just snapshots of moments but also a deeper exploration of the photographic medium. Makrygiannakis uses diptychs, pairing two images side-by-side, to create a dialogue and encourage viewers to contemplate the connections and contrasts between them. He’s not simply documenting the world; he’s inviting us to see it differently.

The fact that Makrygiannakis is the first recipient of the Lars Tunbjörk Prize to come from a non-professional photography background is remarkable. It demonstrates the power of passion and the ability to find artistic expression in unexpected places.

Beyond his individual work, Makrygiannakis is an active member of the international photography collective "Burn My Eye." His talent has already garnered international acclaim, including a first-place win in the "Invisible Photographer Asia" competition in 2013, one of the largest street photography contests in Asia. His work has been featured in exhibitions across the globe, from Australia's "Head On Photo Festival" to the "Miami Street Photography Festival" and the "Thessaloniki Photo Festival" in his ancestral Greece. He has also shared his expertise through lectures and street photography workshops.

Adding another accomplishment to his impressive portfolio, Makrygiannakis is currently preparing to self-publish his first book, titled "Rodina," further solidifying his place in the world of photography. This win marks a significant moment, not just for Makrygiannakis, but for anyone who believes in the power of pursuing their passions, no matter their background. It proves that artistic vision can emerge from anywhere, even from within the walls of a hospital. The Lars Tunbjörk Prize, established by the Tore G Wärenstam Foundation in Borås in collaboration with the Lars Tunbjörk Foundation, continues its mission to celebrate photographers working in the spirit of the late, renowned photographer Lars Tunbjörk. This year, they've found that spirit in a doctor with a camera and a remarkable eye.