Marisol Mendez wins Saltzman-Leibovitz prize, discusses her series 'Mother'

This year's Saltzman-Leibovitz prize has been awarded to Marisol Mendez, a photographer from Bolivia residing in Paris. Her acclaimed photograph, 'Bull 2019,' features Marta Salinas, a Bolivian theater actress, donning a bull costume associated with the waka tokori dance. This image is part of Mendez's series titled 'Mother,' which delves into themes of womanhood and critiques conventional representations of women in Bolivian media. Mendez reveals that the photograph was inspired by a dream of a creature that is both woman and animal. She highlights the presence of masculine energy and the non-sexualized nature of nudity in her art, drawing influence from Ryan McGinley. Works by the nominated artists will be showcased at Photo London, Olympia, until 17 May.