Zanele Muholi is the laureate of this year’s Hasselblad Award. They will receive a prize of SEK 2,000,000, a Hasselblad camera and a gold medal.
Born in Umlazi, Durban and based between Johannesburg and Capetown, Zanele Muholi studied advanced photography at the Market Photo Workshop in Johannesburg and obtained an MFA in Documentary Media at Ryerson University, Toronto. Their photography uses the visual language of classical portraiture, fashion, domestic labour and ethnographic imagery to challenge stereotypes and historical representation of Black bodies in visual culture. Their work centres and claims visibility, dignity and respect for Black queer subjects.
‘For years, my work has been about visibility and resistance,’ said Muholi in a statement. ‘It has been about creating an archive so that no one can say, “We did not know.” When this honour comes, I receive it on behalf of my community; those who have been erased, those who are still here, and those who are yet to see themselves reflected with dignity.’
The annual Hasselblad Award was established by the Hasselblad Foundation in 1980 and is considered one of world’s leading photography prizes. Previous laureates include Sophie Ristelhueber (2025), Carrie Mae Weems (2023), Wolfgang Tillmans (2015), Sophie Calle (2010), Nan Goldin (2007), Malick Sidibé (2003) and Cindy Sherman (1999) among others.
The award ceremony will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden on 9 October. A solo exhibition of Zanele Muholi’s work will be on view at the Hasselblad Center from 10 October to 4 April.
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