Hasselblad International Award in Photography 2026
The Hasselblad Foundation announced Zanele Muholi as the recipient of the 2026 Hasselblad International Award in Photography.Summary
The Hasselblad Foundation announced on March 6, 2026, that Zanele Muholi will receive the Hasselblad International Award in Photography for their internationally recognized work, which centers on portraits celebrating the existence and dignity of Black LGBTQIA+ communities globally, particularly in South Africa. Muholi will receive 2 million Swedish Kronor, a gold medal, and a Hasselblad camera. A commemorative exhibition will be held at the Hasselblad Center in Gothenburg, Sweden, from October 10, 2026, to April 4, 2027.
The foundation recognized Muholi, born during apartheid in South Africa in 1972, for their firm commitment to the importance of speaking out against systemic violence, and for creating a sophisticated visual language combining strength and vulnerability through masterful use of technique. Their portraits, which look directly at the viewer, challenge prejudice and discrimination. The foundation also highlighted Muholi's activism and community work as inseparable from their practice, positioning them as a central figure in global queer visual culture.
Muholi's practice has pioneered the use of photography in the ongoing struggle for visibility, dignity, and respect for Black queer individuals, notably through long-term projects like 〈Faces and Phases〉 (2006–). Muholi also founded Inkanyiso (2009) and the Muholi Art Institute (2022). In their acceptance statement, Muholi dedicated the award to the faces and names who entrusted their stories, emphasizing that the award proves their community deserves to be seen as human beings, not statistics or shadows.
(Source：ART iT)