The shortlist for the prestigious Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2024 was revealed today, featuring a lineup of exceptional international artists whose projects have left a mark on the world of photography.
Artists Nominated: VALIE EXPORT, Gauri Gill & Rajesh Vangad, Lebohang Kganye and Hrair Sarkissian
The shortlisted artists include VALIE EXPORT, renowned for her radical performances challenging societal norms; the collaborative duo Gauri Gill & Rajesh Vangad, who blend photography and Warli painting to explore complex themes; Lebohang Kganye, whose innovative installations delve into South Africa’s multifaceted history; and Hrair Sarkissian, whose conceptual photography unveils hidden emotional narratives within diasporic communities.
Established in 1996, the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize stands as a testament to artistic excellence in photography. Over its 27-year history, the prize has become a beacon of recognition for artists making significant contributions to the field. This year’s shortlisted projects grapple with pressing concerns, from the remnants of war and colonialism to contested lands, equality, and gender issues. Each artist skillfully utilizes photography to unveil the invisible, the forgotten, and the marginalized, illuminating paths toward redress.
The shortlisted projects will be exhibited at The Photographers’ Gallery in London from February 23 to June 2, 2024. Following this, the exhibition will be displayed at the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation in Eschborn/Frankfurt from June 15 to September 15, 2024.
At the heart of this esteemed recognition is VALIE EXPORT, an Austrian artist whose fearless performances and profound examination of women’s societal roles have made her a pioneering figure. Her works, spanning over 50 years, have challenged patriarchal structures and exposed the construction of gender and sexuality in mass media imagery.
The collaborative effort of Gauri Gill and Rajesh Vangad culminated in the creation of “Fields of Sight” (2023), a publication that seamlessly merges photography and painting. Through this unique fusion, the duo redefines the boundaries of artistic practices, delving into the realms of aesthetics, memory, and decolonization. Their project initiated in 2013 in the Adivasi village of Ganjad, Dahanu, captures the multifaceted truths of Warli life, unveiling hidden layers of reality.
Lebohang Kganye, a South African artist, intricately weaves personal and collective histories into her vast installations. By incorporating oral narratives, South African literature, and familial stories, Kganye blurs the lines between memory and fantasy. Her work challenges contemporary perspectives, urging viewers to explore the concealed layers beneath the surface and contemplate the notions of heritage and identity.
Hrair Sarkissian, a Syrian artist, delves into the depths of personal narratives within the context of more significant historical and social issues. His conceptual photography, characterized by its meditative dreamscapes and haunting depictions, sheds light on the emotional nuances of diverse diasporic communities. Through his works, Sarkissian offers audiences a glimpse into the hidden corners of history and society, fostering awareness and solidarity.
The winner of the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2024, receiving a substantial £30,000 award, will be unveiled at an award ceremony at The Photographers’ Gallery on May 16, 2024. The other finalists will each receive £5,000. As anticipation builds, the art world eagerly awaits the revelation of the recipient of this esteemed accolade, celebrating the transformative power of photography and the artists shaping its future.
Stay tuned for more details on the Prize exhibition and award evening, scheduled to be announced in early 2024.