Carrie Mae Weems Named First Black Woman to Win Hasselblad Award
The Hasselblad Award for 2023 has been awarded to Carrie Mae Weems, marking her as the first Black woman to receive this prestigious honor. The accolade comes with SEK2,000,000 (around £155,500) and a medium format camera equipped with Hasselblad lenses. Recognized as one of the top distinctions for contemporary photographers, previous winners include figures like Dayanita Singh, Nan Goldin, Alfredo Jaar, Miyako Ishiuchi, and Wolfgang Tillmans. Born in Portland, Oregon, in 1953, Weems initially pursued modern dance in San Francisco before turning to photography at 21, ultimately earning both a BA and MA in visual arts. Her impactful work explores themes of racism, political issues, and the African American narrative. The award ceremony is scheduled for October 13 in Gothenburg, Sweden, alongside an exhibition at the Hasselblad Center.
Key facts
- Carrie Mae Weems wins 2023 Hasselblad Award
- First Black woman to receive the prize
- Award includes SEK2,000,000 (about £155,500) and a medium format camera
- Born in 1953 in Portland, Oregon
- Studied modern dance in San Francisco before photography
- Works address racism and African American experience
- Key series: The Kitchen Table Series (1990), From Here I Saw What Happened and I Cried (1995-1996), The Hampton Project (2000)
- Ceremony on October 13 in Gothenburg, Sweden with exhibition at Hasselblad Center
Entities
Artists
- Carrie Mae Weems
- Dayanita Singh
- Nan Goldin
- Alfredo Jaar
- Miyako Ishiuchi
- Wolfgang Tillmans
Institutions
- Hasselblad Foundation
- Hasselblad Center
Locations
- Portland
- Oregon
- San Francisco
- Gothenburg
- Sweden