ICONIC IMAGES THAT IMPACTED 2021

Every year in January, Asian Photography selects hundreds of images from photographers from every media possible. The greatest ones that make the final cut for the top might be magnificent in composition, disturbing to experience, news-making stories, or a combination of all three. We pause to honour these photos and their owners because we know there is so much more to photography than pressing the button on the camera. Photographers in these circumstances are intensely immersed in the people and surroundings depicted in their work, forming bonds that extend well beyond the single frame. These photos reflect the tale of a year filled with hardship and strength, a year in which photography provided views of a world that felt out of reach at times. The photographs, and the individuals who created them, demonstrate the power of great photography to inspire us, unite us, and remind us of our common humanity and how we had a crazy year.

- SANCHIT MISHRA

Neeraj Chopra: The Golden Arm

On August 7, 2021, Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra participated in the men’s javelin throw final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. He won the gold medal, making him only the second Indian to win an individual gold medal in the Olympics.

Pain in Silence

On May 20, Israel and Hamas agreed to a cease-fire, which resulted in the deaths of 12 Israelis and over 250 Palestinians. A Palestinian girl stands in her ruined house in Beit Hanoun, Gaza, on May 24, with a ceasefire in force.

Horrible Day in American History

On January 6, 2021, Donald Trump protestors go on a rampage at the Capitol Building in Washington, DC, to question the certification of the 2020 US presidential election results by the US Congress.

A Vaccine of Hope