The National Library of France (BnF) is currently celebrating the richness and diversity of contemporary photographic creation through the exhibition "Photography at Any Price." This unmissable event brings together the winners of major French photography prizes, highlighting unique and audacious visions. Running until March 30, 2025, the exhibition is being held at the François-Mitterrand site – Allée Julien Cain, offering a fascinating immersion into the many facets of this captivating art form.
A Showcase for the Laureates
For its fourth edition, the exhibition highlights the winners of four prestigious awards: the Niépce Prize, the Nadar Prize, the Talent Grant, and the Camera Clara Prize. These distinctions reflect unique approaches and strong artistic commitments, while also contributing to enriching the collections of the BnF (National Library of France).
Anne-Lise Broyer, winner of the 2024 Niépce Prize, embodies an intimate dialogue between writing and photography. A graduate of the École des Arts Décoratifs, she enhances her silver gelatin prints with drawings created using graphite, a technique reminiscent of both the daguerreotype and photogenic drawing. Her works, imbued with visual poetry, invite visitors to explore the relationship between image and memory.
The 2024 Nadar Prize was awarded to Jean-Michel André for his book Single RoomPublished by Actes Sud, this work blends autobiography and poetic exploration, retracing a childhood trauma through poignant photographs and narratives. It illustrates how art transcends personal experiences to touch upon the universal, offering a reading that is both visual and introspective.
Series “Untitled (Portrait of Uzbekistan)”
Talent Scouts
The 2024 Talent Grant highlights three emerging artists, each offering an innovative and committed perspective.
Karla Hiraldo Voleau, with her project Double standardsShe gives a voice to Dominican women facing the reality of clandestine abortions. Her works, blending performance, photography, and personal narratives, denounce social and gender injustices. This powerful work resonates as a cry of hope and solidarity.
Guillaume Holzer, through Nomadic territory, immortalizes the lives of nomadic sea communities in Indonesia. Eight years of close contact with these populations allow him to deliver a profound reflection on freedom, identity and the relationship between man and nature, in a photographic series that celebrates human resilience.
Hassan Kurbanbaev, with Untitled (portrait of Uzbekistan), captures the landscapes and communities of his native country. His photographs, taken over several years, explore cultural representations and local identities while expressing a contemporary and personal voice. This project unveils an intimate and sincere vision of Uzbekistan, far removed from the usual clichés.
The Breath of a Craftsmanship
The Camera Clara Prize, dedicated to large-format photography, celebrates Alexandra Catiere this year for her series The breath of beingBorn in Minsk and trained by Irving Penn, this artist uses photography as a bridge to timelessness. Her award-winning work, imbued with a rare poetic sensibility, is distinguished by a contemplative approach and an aesthetic that stands apart from current digital trends.
For more information, please see the page BnF.
