Next stop Beijing

Rado announces the winners of the ECAL World Mind Games photography competition

A trip to Beijing is on the cards for the two winners of the ECAL (University of art and design Lausanne) photography competition, partnered by Rado. Held to mark the brand’s debut as official timekeeper of the 2011 SportAccord World Mind Games, the contest challenged students to use their creativity to add new perspectives of fashion and lifestyle to the featured mental disciplines - chess, bridge, draughts, go and Chinese chess. Marie Rime and Aladin Borioli impressed the jury with their outstanding portfolios and carried away the prize of a visit to China, with the opening of the Games on their itinerary.

Marie Rime expressed her fascination with the relationship between the players in her photographs. She asked herself what the participants are looking for and whether they are trying to disturb, seduce or intimidate opponents. These reflections led to a series of stunning pictures of a female model wearing masks inspired by primitive tribal art, yet created from elements of the games being played in the championships.

The World Mind Games inspired Aladin Borioli to focus on the human perception and interpretation of territory and space. His photographs depict elements of urban architecture to show how man conquers, defends and settles into spaces. Through his work he explores the similarities that games like chess and draughts share with man-made structures in city landscapes.

Unlimited Spirit. Rado.