Zanele Muholi has been named the winner of the 2026 Hasselblad Award, widely considered the world’s most prestigious photography prize. The South African photographer and "visual activist" will receive approximately $218,000, a solo exhibition at the Hasselblad Center in Gothenburg opening in October 2026, and a dedicated publication. Muholi’s work is celebrated for its monumental grayscale portraiture that documents and honors the Black LGBTQIA+ community, challenging historical omissions and systemic oppression.
This award solidifies Muholi’s position as a definitive figure in global contemporary photography and queer visual culture. By honoring an artist who prioritizes community-led history-making over traditional fine art tropes, the Hasselblad Foundation reinforces the importance of activist-driven practices. The recognition also highlights the ongoing global relevance of South African visual history and the power of portraiture to act as a tool for social justice and human rights.