HUMAN RIGHTS PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE 2016
The Human Rights Photography Prize 2016 was awarded in partnership with the The Lausanne Canton School of Art (ECAL), The Geneva University of Art and Design (HEAD-Geneva), Art Bärtschi & Cie, Christie's, FRORIEP, Human Rights Watch, the International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights (FIFDH) and Les Hybrides.
"FROM MIGRATION TO ASYLUM"
The images of immigrants and refugees who flee their countries in search of a better life are submerging the media. From sunk boats with phantom silhouettes to lying dead bodies on the coasts of the Mediterranean, the violence of these scenes leaves no one indifferent. However, finding ourselves in front of a phenomenon whose impact overtakes its actors involved, the role and position of image makes us reflect. Diffused, used, instrumentalised and almost diverted, the image embodies within its different scopes, the importance of the challenges of immigration.
As for the artist, he/she can not elucidate the tensions that trespass societies. However, far from media timings and imperatives, the strength of an artist is perhaps his/her capacity to question reality, both in the language he/she uses or the tools employed. The question arises of how to address immigration and its challenges without referring to the common clichés. Can we talk about the « problem » of refugees by showing only the « victims »? Is there no other way to confront these issues? Due to this inflation of violence, the image ends up loosing its purpose. After the choc, indifference comes along, once again.
JURY MEMBERS
"FROM MIGRATION TO ASYLUM"
The images of immigrants and refugees who flee their countries in search of a better life are submerging the media. From sunk boats with phantom silhouettes to lying dead bodies on the coasts of the Mediterranean, the violence of these scenes leaves no one indifferent. However, finding ourselves in front of a phenomenon whose impact overtakes its actors involved, the role and position of image makes us reflect. Diffused, used, instrumentalised and almost diverted, the image embodies within its different scopes, the importance of the challenges of immigration.
As for the artist, he/she can not elucidate the tensions that trespass societies. However, far from media timings and imperatives, the strength of an artist is perhaps his/her capacity to question reality, both in the language he/she uses or the tools employed. The question arises of how to address immigration and its challenges without referring to the common clichés. Can we talk about the « problem » of refugees by showing only the « victims »? Is there no other way to confront these issues? Due to this inflation of violence, the image ends up loosing its purpose. After the choc, indifference comes along, once again.
JURY MEMBERS
- Rémy Fenzy, Director, Ecole nationale supérieure de la photographie, Arles
- Nathalie Herschdorfer, Director, Museum of Fine Arts, Le Locle
- Elodie Morel, Director, Photography Department, Christie’s, Paris
- Reza, photojournalist, the Webistan Agency, Paris (President)
- Gerry Simpson, Senior Researcher, Refugees' Division, Human Rights Watch, Geneva
JURY DELIBERATIONS & AWARD CEREMONY
OPENING