Nigerian photographer and contemporary artist Samuel Fosso has been awarded the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2023, one of the most prestigious awards in photography, for his retrospective self-titled exhibition at the Maison Europeìenne de la Photographie in Paris. The exhibition showcased Fosso’s extensive self-portraits, in which he portrays himself in the style of leading historical figures, and other works.
A Pioneering Photographer
Fosso was born in Kumba, Cameroon, in 1962 and raised in Nigeria. He opened his own studio, Studio Photo Nationale, at the age of 13, and has since specialized in commercial work and portraiture, earning the nickname “a man with 1000 faces” for his ability to creatively transform himself in each image.
Fosso’s work is known for its focus on performative photography, with his self-portraits depicting leading historical figures like Martin Luther King, Angela Davis, Muhammad Ali, Tommie Smith, Patrice Lumumba, Malcolm X, and Haile Selassie. His earlier works from the 1970s reflect on performance and social archetypes, while his more recent series African Spirits (2008) features African historical figures.
The Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize
The Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize was founded in 1996 by The Photographers’ Gallery and has since become one of the most significant awards in contemporary photography. The prize aims to recognize artists and their projects that have made the most significant contributions to the field of international contemporary photography.
Fosso’s retrospective exhibition was on display at the Maison Europeìenne de la Photographie in Paris for four months, showcasing his iconic works as well as previously unseen pieces and archival content. The prize was awarded to Fosso in recognition of his exceptional contribution to contemporary photography, and he received a grand prize of £30,000 ($37,000 / AU$56,000 approximately) at a ceremony hosted at The Photographers’ Gallery in London. Upon receiving the prize, Fosso expressed his joy and pride at the recognition of his work by the artistic community. Fosso’s exceptional talent and groundbreaking contributions to contemporary photography have rightfully solidified his place as one of the most significant artists in the field.
The Shortlisted Photographers
Fosso was one of four photographers shortlisted for the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2023. The other shortlisted photographers included Bieke Depoorter, Arthur Jafa, and Frida Orupabo, all of whom received £5,000 (and $6,000 / AU$9,000 approximately) for their contributions to contemporary photography.
The exhibition showcasing all four shortlisted artists will be on display at The Photographers’ Gallery until June 11, 2023, providing an opportunity for visitors to see the works of these pioneering photographers and celebrate their contributions to the field of contemporary photography.
