Renowned South African photographer and visual activist Zanele Muholi has won the 2026 Hasselblad Award, a prestigious international photography prize presented annually in Gothenburg, Sweden. The award, established in 1980, recognises photographers for major achievements, including artistic impact and influencing future generations, and is regarded as the “Nobel Prize” of photography.
As a non-binary individual, Muholi said they are honoured to have done something that is received and respected, allowing them a space to represent the community they are a part of. Muholi’s work has focused on visibility and resistance through portraits and other art forms, supporting black LGBTQIA+ people in their fight to exist freely.
Hasselblad Award and Its Significance
The Hasselblad Award is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the photography world, with past winners including Cindy Sherman and Annie Leibovitz. Muholi will take home 2 million Swedish krona (about R3.5 million), a gold medal and a Hasselblad camera, as well as an opportunity to showcase their work in a solo exhibition at the Hasselblad Center from October this year until April 2027.
Muholi said the prize does not belong to them alone – winning the award is a testament to the people in front of the camera and the stories they have entrusted Muholi to tell. Their photographs are formally compelling, using composition, colour, black-and-white, and lighting to create an effective visual language that conveys both strength and vulnerability.
Muholi’s Inspiration and Impact
Muholi was inspired to use photography to share these stories because of the “lack of visible content that is tangible, that speaks to us”. For more than two decades, Muholi’s work has been about creating an archive to create awareness and support black LGBTQIA+ people in their fight to exist freely.
Some of Muholi’s notable works include:
- Portraits of black LGBTQIA+ individuals, showcasing their strength and resilience
- Documentary series on the lives of black LGBTQIA+ people in South Africa
- Collaborations with other artists and activists to create awareness and promote visibility
Muholi’s win is a significant milestone for the South African photography community, and their work continues to inspire and empower marginalized communities around the world.
