Lindokuhle Sobekwa, a South African photographer, has been honored with the prestigious Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize for 2025. The award, totaling £30,000 ($39,890), was presented to Sobekwa at The Photographers’ Gallery in London on May 15th. This recognition celebrates living artists whose work has made a significant impact on contemporary photography globally over the past year.
Sobekwa clinched this accolade for his compelling project titled “I carry Her photo with Me,” a poignant book published by MACK in 2024. The genesis of this work traces back to a family portrait missing his older sister’s face, the only photo he had of her. His sister’s absence from the picture stems from a tragic childhood incident where she inadvertently caused Sobekwa to be hit by a car at the age of seven, leading her to run away. Despite her return a decade later, she declined to have her photo taken, and sadly, she passed away soon after. Sobekwa’s work encapsulates a scrapbook narrative, blending photographs, handwritten notes, and family snapshots, portraying his sister’s life in her absence while also delving into the legacy of Apartheid and colonialism in South Africa.
Born in 1995, Sobekwa’s artistic journey began with the Of Soul and Joy Project during his high school days in Thokoza, South Africa. Mentored by esteemed artists like Bieke Depoorter and Cyprien Clément-Delmas, Sobekwa’s talent flourished. He ventured into photography as a part-time pursuit for Live Magazine in 2013. In 2024, he held his debut solo exhibition, “Heart of the garden,” at Goodman Gallery in London, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Competing against three other distinguished artists, Sobekwa emerged as the winner of the Deutsche Börse Prize. The runners-up, Cristina De Middel, Rahim Fortune, and Tarrah Krajnak, were each awarded £5,000 ($6,645). These talented individuals are currently showcased alongside Sobekwa at The Photographers’ Gallery until June 15th. Notably, the 2024 recipient of the prize was Lebohang Kganye, another South African photographer renowned for her exhibition “Haufi nyana? I’ve come to take you home” at Foam in Amsterdam. The roster of past winners includes celebrated names like Richard Mosse and Deana Lawson.
Sobekwa’s evocative use of photography to narrate personal and societal histories has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. Shoair Mavlian, the director of The Photographers’ Gallery, commended Sobekwa for his poignant storytelling, encapsulating themes of loss, memory, and the enduring impact of South Africa’s complex history. Sobekwa’s win not only acknowledges his artistic prowess but also underscores the power of visual storytelling in confronting and reconciling with the past.
The Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize continues to be a beacon for contemporary photographers, recognizing those who push boundaries, challenge narratives, and provoke thought through their visual narratives. Sobekwa’s win stands as a testament to the enduring relevance and power of photography as a medium for reflection, remembrance, and social commentary in our ever-evolving world.
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