Rene Matić wins The Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2026

The influential prize, in partnership with the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation, rewards artists and their initiatives recognised as having made essentially the most important contribution to worldwide up to date images in Europe over the previous 12 months.

Rene Matić  (b. 1997, Peterborough, UK) was awarded the Prize for the exhibition AS OPPOSED TO THE TRUTH, at CCA Berlin, Germany (8 November 2024 – 15 February 2025).  

Featuring newly produced images, installations and sound items, AS OPPOSED TO THE TRUTH is rooted in id and belonging, subculture, class and household. Matić’s diaristic, snapshot-like images captures on a regular basis moments with poetic intimacy. The images, mixed with collected objects, movie and sound, kind a vivid and layered portrait of up to date life.  

Matić’s apply spans throughout images, movie and sculpture, converging in a assembly place they describe as “rude(ness)” – an evidencing and honouring of the in-between. In a local weather of rising right-wing populism and performative compassion, they flip to interpersonal relationships as areas of resistance and care, how folks maintain on to 1 one other, and study to reside with vulnerability – regardless of, or in defiance of, so-called up to date ‘truths’. For Matić, intimacy, vulnerability and need turn into instruments for survival.

Shoair Mavlian, Director of The Photographers’ Gallery and Chair of the Jury, mentioned: ‘We are delighted to announce Rene Matić as the winner of the 2026 Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize. Rene’s deeply private work is rooted in group and belonging – and their energy each to heal and convey folks collectively. Rene’s uncooked and sincere images deliver a narrative of Britain in the present day to audiences exterior the UK. We have been thrilled to share Rene’s work with our guests, alongside the opposite shortlisted artists. Many congratulations to Rene.’

Anne-Marie Beckmann, Director of the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation, mentioned: 
‘Congratulations to Rene. Their photography captures everyday life with tenderness and intimacy. The importance of chosen family and community shines through. Rene’s images have fun the togetherness of individuals – whether or not they’re laughing, kissing or partying. Rene’s mission AS OPPOSED TO THE TRUTH is a vivid, fluid portrait of up to date life. Their experimental method expands what images is and the way we expertise it. Many congratulations and because of the opposite shortlisted artists – Jane Evelyn Atwood, Weronika Gęsicka and Amak Mahmoodian.’

The different shortlisted artists – Jane Evelyn Atwood, Weronika Gęsicka and Amak Mahmoodian – all obtained £5,000. The exhibition showcasing work by all 4 shortlisted artists is on present at The Photographers’ Gallery till 7 June 2026. It will then be on show from 3 September 2026 to 17 January 2027 on the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation in The Cube in Eschborn.