The 2009 Prix Pictet Shortlist
Sponsored by the Geneva private bank Pictet & Cie, the Prix Pictet is the world’s first prize dedicated to photography and sustainability. It has a unique mandate – to use the power of photography to communicate crucial messages to a global audience.
Prix Pictet’s Michael Benson: “Collectively this year’s responses to the theme of ‘Earth’ represent both a moving lament for the beaten and blasted globe which we inhabit and a compelling argument for action. The skill, imagination and mastery of form that each of the shortlisted artists bring to their work is unquestionable. What is less obvious is the conviction and, in many cases, the bravery with which they document the damaging and often irreversible effects of exploiting the earth’s resources and the long-term impact of unsustainable development on communities across the globe, and it is this quality too that the Prix Pictet seeks to celebrate. The shortlisted images range from the painterly to the documentary and all points in between – in most cases within a single submission – and therein lies their distinctive power. We are bombarded with climate change statistics on a daily basis, but a strong image has an immediate and emotional impact on the beholder considerably greater than the abstract and often alienating trickle of statistic.” Prix Pictet and The Black Snapper jointly present the 2009 shortlist.
Rhubarb Rhubarb 2009 – Best Of Reviews
Rhubarb-Rhubarb is a development agency dedicated to connecting photographers to those in the industry who can best assist their futures. Rhubarb is renowned for its International Review, held annually at the end of July. Insightful image reviewers – curators, gallery directors, photo publishers, agents and picture editors – view work from between 100 and 150 image makers from around the world. This year was the tenth Rhubarb-Rhubarb International Review and by coincidence was accompanied by an exhibition programme, including the world premiere of ‘Obama’s People’ by Nadav Kander. Artist and series selected by Rhonda Wilson and Lorna-Mary Webb, project introduction text by the artist. Rhubarb Rhubarb is showcasing some of the best work presented at its 2009 International Review.
