Marisol Mendez wins 2026 Saltzman-Leibovitz Photography Prize

Bolivian artist Marisol Mendez has been chosen because the winner of the 2026 Saltzman-Leibovitz Photography Prize for her work MADRE. Mendez will obtain a money prize of 15,000 USD and her successful work will probably be exhibited alongside different nominated artists at Photo London from 13 via 17 May.

Born and primarily based in Cochabamba, Bolivia, Mendez’s research-driven follow probes conventional modes of illustration and explores a number of narratives in Andean folklore and Catholic iconography whereas inspecting up to date Bolivian id and incorporating archival household images.

‘I remember being enamoured by [Annie Leibovitz’s] photos’, Mendez says in a press release, ‘which led me to embrace fiction and storytelling in my own work… After all, it is usually easier to understand love or time through a poem or song than through a chemistry lesson or the manual of a clock.’ 

The Saltzman-Leibovitz prize was based in 2025 by photographers Lisa Saltzman and Annie Leibovitz. Miranda Barnes acquired second place, whereas Cole Ndelu, Lindeka Qampi and Bettina Pittaluga have been additionally nominees.