Changing the world, one snapshot at a time

THE prestigious Prix Pictet, a global photography award, is gracing Singapore for the first time in a captivating display of visual storytelling. Over 100 striking images by 12 photographers depict a mosaic of human experiences in the face of increasing environmental challenges.

These provocative snapshots hail from over a dozen countries, including Ukraine, Iceland, Iran, Peru and Colombia, and have been selected for their fluid narratives, subject originality, as well as technical proficiency.  

The Prix Pictet was established in 2008 by the Pictet Group, a Swiss private bank, in collaboration with the Pictet Foundation. For the past 15 years, it has awarded the top prize of 100,000 Swiss francs (currently S$156,483) to photographers that show a commitment to telling stories themed around sustainability. 

For this exhibition, the top prize went to India’s Gauri Gill, who has been chronicling the life of ordinary villagers in Rajasthan for several years. Since 1999, she has visited the same group of people repeatedly to track the changes wrought by drought, monsoons, epidemics, migration and other major events. 

“Gill’s work emphasises her belief in working with and through community, in what she calls ‘active listening’,” explains Isabelle von Ribbentrop, executive director of the Prix Pictet. “The photos serve as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of communities in the face of adversity and limited resources.”

Gill’s excellence doesn’t overshadow the sterling contributions of the other 11 photographers. Yael Martinez from Mexico unveils a magical series involving individuals and communities who have undergone trauma and violence. In each of these photos, Martinez makes several visible pinpricks and then shines a light through these holes, as a visual metaphor of hope overcoming darkness.

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Meanwhile, English photographer Sian Davey responded to the pandemic by transforming her backyard into a canvas of wildflowers. Against this vibrant backdrop, family members, friends, and even strangers are invited to be photographed as “an ongoing act to cultivate a space grounded in love, a reverential offering to humanity”, explains Davey.

Elsewhere, Poland’s Michal Luczak exposes the destructive impact of coal mining on Upper Silesia, while Iceland’s Ragnar Axelsson depicts the consequences of melting ice on Arctic hunting villages. American photographer Richard Renaldi delves into the psyche of modern masculinity, advocating for a stronger connection between men and nature. Iran’s Hoda Afshar captures the unique lifestyle of a community in the Strait of Hormuz, shaped by the winds that course through their islands.

Executive director von Ribbentrop says: “While there are many photography awards out there, what sets the Prix Pictet apart is its focus on sustainability and its ability to use the power of photography to address pressing environmental and social concerns.

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“Photography possesses a unique and powerful ability to tell stories, evoke emotions, and communicate messages in a way that transcends language barriers. By honouring photographers who not only demonstrate exceptional skill but also convey a powerful message related to sustainability, the Prix Pictet aims to inspire change and raise awareness on a global scale.”

The choice to stage Prix Pictet in Singapore’s School of the Arts (Sota) gallery isn’t coincidental: “We consider various factors such as regional interest in sustainability, cultural significance and accessibility when selecting cities for our touring exhibitions. Singapore has been a hub for sustainable development and innovation in Asia, and Sota is a sustainably designed building, making it an ideal location to engage with local and wider audience.

“We hope the exhibition can serve as a catalyst for change.”

The Prix Pictet “Human” exhibition runs at the Sota Gallery from now till Jan 29 as part of Singapore Art Week 2024. Admission is free.