Tiny image sparks big backlash in Nikon photo contest
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Dr Ning Xu denies he broke the rules of Nikon's annual Small World In Motion contest.
The one-panel cartoon
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A microscopy lab with high-end microscopes and a scientist peering into an eyepiece, surrounded by various samples and awards for Nikon's Small World In Motion contest.
Caption: When the smallest detail makes the biggest waves.
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Based on the original story on bbc.co.uk.
Editor's note
Who knew a speck of pollen could ignite a firestorm of controversy? Nikon's decision to disqualify a striking photo of a pollen grain, despite the contestant's assertions of compliance with all rules, highlights the arbitrary nature of artistic judgment and the fine line between creativity and compliance.
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Panel 1
*A dimly lit lab with cluttered worktables and a microscope. Alex, wearing a lab coat, is carefully examining a tiny object under the microscope. Sam is standing behind him, looking bemused.* ---
Alex: Just submitted our entry for Nikon's Small World In Motion contest. This little guy here is going to win big!
Sam: I’m sure. What are the rules again?
Panel 2
*The same lab, but now Robin has stormed in, carrying a stack of papers and shouting. Alex and Sam are taken aback.* ---
Robin: Guys, you won’t believe this! They say Dr. Xu’s entry was disqualified for being too tiny!
Alex: What? That’s ridiculous! We’re talking about a microscopic world here!
Sam: Yeah, but it’s not about size, it’s about rules.
Panel 3
*The lab now has a poster of a giant magnifying glass on the wall, with Alex, Sam, and Robin gathered around their microscope, looking determined.* *Alex, Sam, and Robin smile as they prepare to submit their entry, the poster of the magnifying glass looming in the background.*
Alex: This is just another reminder that rules are made to be challenged!
Robin: Or broken!
Sam: Or ignored?
Alex: No, Sam, we’re making art. Let’s just send them our entry and see what happens.
Robin: Here goes nothing!
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