Rene Matić Crowned Winner of Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2026
Rene Matić has been honored with the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2026, a major European photography accolade. This esteemed artist, who was also a contender for the 2025 Turner Prize, has received a substantial award of £30,000. The recognition stems from their compelling exhibition, "AS OPPOSED TO THE TRUTH," which delves into complex themes of personal identity, societal belonging, class dynamics, and familial connections. Matić's unique artistic approach, combining intimate photography with thoughtful installations and immersive soundscapes, positions them as a significant voice in contemporary photography, celebrated for their raw and honest portrayal of life.
The announcement took place on a Thursday at The Photographers’ Gallery in London, where author and broadcaster Liv Little presented the award to Matić. Born in Peterborough, UK, in 1997, Matić's winning exhibition, "AS OPPOSED TO THE TRUTH," was showcased at CCA Berlin from November 8, 2024, to February 15, 2025. This exhibition was a profound exploration of personal narratives, featuring a blend of new photographic works, intricate installations, and evocative sound compositions that collectively addressed deeply personal and universal themes. Matić's distinctive style of diaristic photography, which documents daily life with remarkable intimacy, played a central role in the exhibition, presenting these moments alongside carefully curated objects, film, and audio elements.
The Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize, presented in collaboration with the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation, is dedicated to acknowledging artists and projects that have made a remarkable impact on international contemporary photography within Europe over the preceding year. Matić's work particularly resonated with the jury for its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, shedding light on contemporary British society through a personal lens.
Shoair Mavlian, who serves as the director of The Photographers’ Gallery and chaired this year's jury, articulated the profound impact of Matić’s artistry. Mavlian highlighted that Matić’s creations are deeply rooted in the concepts of community and belonging, emphasizing their powerful capacity to foster healing and unity among individuals. She further noted that Matić’s candid and authentic photographs vividly convey a narrative of modern Britain to a global audience, extending beyond the United Kingdom's borders.
Joining Matić on the shortlist for the prestigious prize were a trio of other distinguished artists: Jane Evelyn Atwood, Weronika Gęsicka, and Amak Mahmoodian. Each of these talented individuals was recognized for their significant contributions to the field, receiving a £5,000 award. An exhibition showcasing the collective works of all four shortlisted artists is currently on display at The Photographers’ Gallery, captivating visitors through June 7, 2026. Following its tenure in London, the exhibition will embark on a journey to the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation, situated at The Cube in Eschborn. There, it will be accessible to the public from September 3, 2026, until January 17, 2027, offering a continued opportunity to experience these compelling photographic narratives.
The distinguished panel of jurors for this year's prize included Anne-Marie Beckmann, the director of the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation; Newsha Tavakolian, an accomplished Iranian photojournalist; Elisa Medde from the Foto Colectania Foundation; and Mark Sealy, representing the Autograph Gallery. Shoair Mavlian presided over the jury as the voting chair, guiding the selection process to ultimately honor Rene Matić's outstanding achievements.
Matić's triumph in this significant photography competition not only celebrates their individual artistic brilliance but also underscores the enduring power of photography to explore complex social narratives and evoke deep emotional responses. Their work, characterized by an intimate and unflinching gaze, continues to provoke thought and foster dialogue, solidifying their position as a pivotal figure in the evolution of contemporary art.