Zanele Muholi’s Historic Hasselblad Award: A Turning Point for Queer Visibility in Photography
South African visual activist Zanele Muholi has been awarded the 2026 Hasselblad Award, the world’s most prestigious photography prize. This recognition isn’t just a celebration of Muholi’s artistry; it signifies a profound shift in how photography acknowledges and represents marginalized communities, particularly Black LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Beyond Documentation: The Power of Visual Activism
Muholi identifies as a “visual activist,” a distinction that underscores the explicitly political nature of their work. For over two decades, they’ve courageously created space for queer representation within and outside traditional art spaces, challenging prejudice and discrimination through powerful portraiture. This approach moves beyond simply documenting reality; it actively seeks to transform perceptions and advocate for social change.
A Legacy of Visibility: Faces and Phases & Somnyama Ngonyama
Muholi’s extensive body of work, including the series Faces and Phases, creates an intimate archive of Black LGBTQIA+ lives in South Africa. Their self-portrait series, Somnyama Ngonyama (Hail the Dark Lioness), utilizes striking imagery to interrogate race and representation, drawing on ancestral symbolism.
The Hasselblad Award: Joining a Prestigious Lineage
The Hasselblad Award, valued at SEK 2,000,000 (approximately $218,000), a gold medal, and a Hasselblad camera, recognizes photographers whose work influences future generations. Muholi joins a distinguished list of past recipients, including Nan Goldin, Ingrid Pollard, and Malick Sidibé. The award will be celebrated with a solo exhibition at the Hasselblad Center in Gothenburg, Sweden, opening October 10, 2026.
From Apartheid’s Shadow to Global Recognition
Born in 1972 during the apartheid regime, Muholi’s work is deeply informed by the history of systemic violence and discrimination in South Africa. Their photography asserts the right to live in safety and freedom, celebrating love and community in the face of adversity. Muholi studied photography at the Market Photo Workshop in Johannesburg, mentored by David Goldblatt.
Collective Empowerment: Inkanyiso and the Muholi Art Institute
Muholi’s commitment extends beyond individual artistry. They founded Inkanyiso in 2009 to support LGBTQI+ activists, writers, and photographers in South Africa, and the Muholi Art Institute in 2022 to empower emerging artists and foster collaboration. This dedication to collective practice underscores their belief in the power of community and shared storytelling.
As Muholi states, the award is not theirs alone, but belongs to the many individuals who have entrusted them with their stories, affirming that Black LGBTQIA+ lives are worthy of being seen and celebrated.
FAQ
- What is the Hasselblad Award? This proves the world’s largest photography award, consisting of SEK 2,000,000, a gold medal, and a Hasselblad camera.
- Who is Zanele Muholi? A South African visual activist and photographer who focuses on representing Black LGBTQIA+ communities.
- Where will Muholi’s solo exhibition be held? At the Hasselblad Center in Gothenburg, Sweden, from October 10, 2026, to April 4, 2027.
What are your thoughts on Muholi’s work? Share your perspective in the comments below!
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