Alfredo Jaar Receives 2020 Hasselblad Foundation International Award in Photography

Alfredo Jaar has been named the 40th recipient of the Hasselblad Foundation International Award in Photography, a prestigious accolade in the field. The Chilean artist, architect, and filmmaker will receive this honor during a ceremony in Gothenburg, Sweden, scheduled for October 2020. His work, which the foundation notes investigates intricate socio-political themes and ethical representation, encompasses photographs, films, installations, and community projects. Jaar addresses issues like humanitarian crises, military strife, political corruption, and economic disparity through what he refers to as the politics of images. The award comes with a cash prize of 1 million Swedish kronor (around £81,280) and an exhibition at the Hasselblad Center. Previous winners include notable figures such as Daido Moriyama and Henri Cartier-Bresson. Jaar's art critically examines the role of images in society, revealing the constraints of photography and media in depicting crucial events.