Dior Proclaims Photography Award Winner Akari Takenobu

The Tokyo University of the Arts scholar obtained the ninth Dior Photography and Visual Arts Award for Young Talents for her collection “Threshold”

Christian Dior Parfums, the École Nationale Supérieure de la Photographie (ENSP), and LUMA Arles have introduced Akari Takenobu of Tokyo University of the Arts because the winner of the ninth Dior Photography and Visual Arts Award for Young Talents. Takenobu was acknowledged for her photographic collection Threshold, with the winner chosen by a jury chaired by British photographer David Sims.

The 2026 jury additionally included French photographer Vasantha Yogananthan, Julie Jones, Director of the Maison Européenne de la Photographie, and longtime jury members Maja Hoffmann and Peter Philips. Established to assist rising photographers and visible artists, the annual award continues Dior’s funding in nurturing the subsequent era of inventive expertise by means of its partnerships with ENSP and LUMA Arles.

Takenobu’s apply combines images with collage and set up, utilizing what she describes as “pseudo-experiments” to research notion, reminiscence, and the unseen. Drawing on paranormal experiences from her childhood, her work fragments and reconstructs the physique, exploring themes of transformation, absence, and the boundary between actuality and creativeness.

By honoring Threshold, the 2026 version of the award highlights work that challenges typical photographic narratives whereas reinforcing Dior’s ongoing dedication to supporting experimental visible practices. The recognition additional strengthens the award’s position as a platform for rising artists on the intersection of images and up to date artwork.