Shortlist Announced for Deutsche Börse Photography Prize 2009

Paul Graham, Emily Jacir, Tod Papageorge and Taryn Simon have been selected for the Deutsche Börse Photography Prize 2009. The price is presented by The Photographers’ Gallery, London, the opening venue for the exhibition. The winner will be announced on Wednesday 25 March 2009.

The Annual Prize of £30,000 rewards a living photographer, of any nationality, who has made the most significant contribution to the medium of photography in Europe in the previous year.

The selected photographers are:

Paul Graham (b. 1956, UK) has been nominated for his publication A Shimmer of Possibility (steidlMACK, Oct 07).

Emily Jacir (b.1970, Palestine) has been nominated for her solo exhibition at the 2007 Venice Biennale (7 Jun ­– 21 Nov 07) where she won the Golden Lion for artists under 40.

Tod Papageorge (b.1940, US) has been nominated for the exhibition Passing Through Eden - Photographs of Central Park at Michael Hoppen Gallery, London (7 Mar - 12 Apr 08).

Taryn Simon (b.1975, USA) has been nominated for her exhibition The American Index of Hidden and Unfamiliar at The Photographers' Gallery, London (13 Sept -11 Nov 07).

The Jury this year is: David Campany, Writer/Lecturer, University of Westminster, UK;

David Goldblatt, Photographer, South Africa; Chus Martínez, Chief Curator, Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona, Spain; and Anne-Marie Beckmann, Curator, Art Collection Deutsche Börse, Germany. The Director of The Photographers’ Gallery, Brett Rogers is the non-voting Chair.

Brett Rogers, Chair and Director of The Photographers’ Gallery, said: ‘The finalists this year redefine the medium of photography and its possibilities as both a conceptual and creative tool. Each, in their distinct way, attempts to represent the unrepresentable: Taryn Simon in her compelling dissection of the invisible forces that rule our lives; Emily Jacir in her installation which proposes new narratives for approaching recent Palestinian history; Paul Graham whose new series of books encapsulates the poetry of the everyday, and Tod Papageorge who transforms the subject of Central Park, New York, into a Shakespearian paean to urban leisure.’



Alexandra Hachmeister, in charge of Corporate Responsibility for Deutsche Börse, commented: ‘This year’s shortlist is impressive with four very strong positions in contemporary photography. The variety can be seen in the different approaches to the medium, not only in their content, but also in their visual concept. We are looking forward to exhibiting the work of the four shortlisted artists at C/O Berlin and in our headquarters in Frankfurt next year.’


The Photographers’ Gallery continues its commitment to showcasing new talent and highlighting the best of international photographic practice with generous support from the title sponsor, Deutsche Börse Group. The Prize continues as one of the most prominent exhibitions at The Photographers’ Gallery and is amongst the most prestigious international arts awards. The exhibition will run in London from 20 February until 12 April 2009.


Furthermore, The Photographers’ Gallery and Deutsche Börse are proud to announce, that their cooperation for the Deutsche Börse Photography Prize has been shortlisted for this years Arts & Business International Award. The Award ceremony will be held in London November 24 and awards in seven different categories.


Deutsche Börse Group is one of the leading exchange organisations and a major sponsor of photographic art. The Group owns an extensive art collection of contemporary photography which, to date, includes more than 700 works by over 60 international artists. Further information on Deutsche Börse Group and its art collection can be found at www.deutsche-boerse.com/art.