Wolfgang Tillmans has been awarded the 2026 Roswitha Haftmann Prize, worth CHF 150,000. The German photographer, based between London and Berlin, rose to prominence in the 1990s with intimate portraits of the European club scene and LGBTQIA+ community. Over nearly four decades, his practice has expanded to include still life and landscape photography, while maintaining a focus on social critique and the materiality of images. He has also been active in democracy promotion, launching an anti-Brexit campaign in 2016, encouraging voting in German and European elections, and founding the Between Bridges foundation in 2017 to support arts, LGBTQIA+ rights, and anti-racism work. The award ceremony will take place on 17 September at the Kunsthaus Zürich.
The Roswitha Haftmann Prize is one of the most significant awards for visual artists in Europe, and Tillmans' selection underscores his status as a trailblazing figure in contemporary photography. The prize recognizes not only his artistic achievements but also his broader civic engagement, highlighting the role of artists in fostering democratic consciousness. This award brings renewed attention to Tillmans' ongoing influence and the intersection of art with social and political activism.