South African photographer Guy Tillim wins 2017 Henri Cartier-Bresson Award for 'Museum of the Revolution' project

Guy Tillim, a South African photographer, has been named the recipient of the 2017 HCB Award by the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation in Paris. The biennial prize, which supports established photographers with a documentary focus, includes a $40,000 grant (approximately £31,000) to fund his proposed work. Tillim's winning project, 'Museum of the Revolution,' examines the lingering impacts of colonialism in African urban centers, including Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi. With the award funds, he plans to extend this photographic exploration to the streets of Dakar, Accra, Kampala, and Lagos. The HCB Award recognizes photographers whose practice engages with documentary approaches, and Tillim's selection highlights ongoing artistic investigations into post-colonial landscapes across the continent. The foundation, based in Paris, France, announced the winner in 2017, continuing its mission to honor and advance photographic work that reflects Henri Cartier-Bresson's legacy. Tillim's project aims to capture the architectural and social remnants of colonial history in diverse African cities, offering a visual narrative of transformation and memory. The award not only provides financial support but also brings attention to documentary photography's role in addressing historical and contemporary issues.