Zanele Muholi, Champion of Visual Activism, Wins World's Largest Photography Prize
Photographer Zanele Muholi, recognised as a champion of visual activism, has been named the 2026 Hasselblad Foundation laureate—the world’s largest photography prize.
Muholi, who was born in Umlazi, Durban and now lives and works between Johannesburg and Capetown, receives SEK 2,000,000 (£162,000), alongside a gold medal and a Hasselblad camera.
The photographer’s work centres visibility, claiming respect for Black queer subjects using the language of classical photography. In a statement, they passed credit to their subjects: “The prize is not mine alone. I carry it with the many faces, names and histories that have trusted me with their stories.
“From Umlazi to every space where Black LGBTQIA+ people continue to fight to exist freely, this recognition affirms that our lives are worthy of being seen—not as statistics, not as shadows, but as full human beings.”
The Hasselblad award recognises Muholi’s work as a sustained contribution to a contemporary photographic legacy. Their long-term portrait series Faces and Phases (2006-) was an act of resistance against systematic violence, and, as it enters its 20th year, continues to be a seminal body of visual activism.
In a statement, the Hasselblad Foundation said: “Zanele Muholi stands as one of the most influential contemporary photographers, with an impact that reaches far beyond the art world. They use portraiture to articulate and celebrate the presence, depth and dignity of the Black LGBTQIA+ community.”
In 2009 Muholi founded Inkanyiso, a forum dedicated to queer and visual activist media, and in 2022 launched The Muholi Art Institute, which aims to support and develop emerging artists across diverse disciplines.
The photographer, who is represented by Yancey Richardson Gallery in New York and Southern Guild Gallery in Cape Town, has been exhibited at the Venice Biennale, Maison Européenne de la Photographie, Paris and Tate Modern, London.
Previous winners of the Hasselblad Laureate Award include Carrie Mae Weems (2023), Alfredo Jaar (2020) and Nan Goldin (2007).
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services