Trevor Paglen Wins 2016 Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize for Surveillance-Themed Exhibition
In 2016, Trevor Paglen was awarded the £30,000 Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize for his exhibition, The Octopus, showcased at Frankfurter Kunstverein. This accolade honors noteworthy photographic contributions in Europe from 1 October 2014 to 30 September 2015. Paglen's installation included visuals of restricted military areas, drone flight paths, and sculptural components, addressing themes of mass surveillance, data gathering, and covert governmental operations. Additionally, shortlisted artists Laura El-Tantawy, Erik Kessels, and Tobias Zielony are part of a group exhibition at The Photographer's Gallery in London, running until 3 July 2016. Paglen also partners with scientists, amateur astronomers, and human rights advocates to uncover visible remnants of hidden systems within the environment.
Key facts
- Trevor Paglen won the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2016
- The prize is worth £30,000
- Paglen was recognized for his exhibition The Octopus at Frankfurter Kunstverein
- The exhibition period considered was 1 October 2014 to 30 September 2015
- Shortlisted artists include Laura El-Tantawy, Erik Kessels, and Tobias Zielony
- A group exhibition runs at The Photographer's Gallery, London through 3 July 2016
- Paglen's work addresses mass surveillance and classified government activities
- His installation includes images of restricted areas and drone flight tracks
Entities
Artists
- Trevor Paglen
- Laura El-Tantawy
- Erik Kessels
- Tobias Zielony
Institutions
- Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation
- Frankfurter Kunstverein
- The Photographer's Gallery
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom