PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE
After Nature. Ulrike Crespo Photography Prize
In the Anthropocene era, humankind has to become aware that it has a particular responsibility. That requires a fundamental overhaul of the relationship between people, nature and technology. At the same time, it is imperative that we question the images, concepts and ideas we use to think about this relationship. That’s why we initiated a photography prize in conjunction with C/O Berlin that addresses exactly this topic: After Nature.
For whom?
Photographers who work with lens-based media
Aim
Commending and promoting new artistic projects connected with photography, nature and ecology
Frequency
Awarded annually
Location
Worldwide
Photography after nature
The After Nature – Ulrike Crespo Photography Prize is for artists who use photographic means to explore new concepts in art. Two prizes are awarded per year, with each winner receiving 40,000 euros. The projects will also be exhibited at C/O Berlin and Crespo Open Space (in German) in Frankfurt, accompanied by a joint catalogue. The artists receive help in devising the concept for their shows and deciding what they should contain.
The prize seeks to promote projects that highlight issues such as landscapes in the Anthropocene era, how the biosphere and technosphere are intertwined, reflections on making images as an ecological practice, or adopting ‘more than human’ perspectives and exploring new options for all forms of life and nature being able to cohabit.
The overall theme of ‘photography after nature’ introduces a dual perspective to the relationship between photography and nature: on the one hand it refers to a world ‘after nature’, where the relationship between people, the environment and technology is subject to fundamental change. On the other hand it views photography as a medium which has long documented, constructed and negotiated the relationship to the world. The term ‘photography after nature’ was often used in the nineteenth century to underscore photography’s special connection to the world.
Named after Ulrike Crespo
The prize is named after its founder, the photographer Ulrike Crespo, who undertook detailed explorations of the themes of landscape and nature in numerous series of photos. They present a natural world that today seems both impressive and fragile, in light of the ever more noticeable effects of the climate crisis.
THE PRIZE IN NUMBERS
40.000
euros prize money
2
prize winners
2
exhibitions
Nr. 2
second-largest photography prize
5
members of the jury
‘We are addressing one of the most important issues of our time with the After Nature – Ulrike Crespo Photography Prize.’
‘We are addressing one of the most important issues of our time with the After Nature – Ulrike Crespo Photography Prize.’
‘Ulrike Crespo shows a deep understanding of nature in her own photos. Together with C/O Berlin we are carrying on her artistic commitment in this area.’
‘Ulrike Crespo shows a deep understanding of nature in her own photos. Together with C/O Berlin we are carrying on her artistic commitment in this area.’
Partner
The 'After Nature – Ulrike Crespo Photography Prize' will be jointly awarded by the Crespo Foundation and C/O Berlin Foundation from 2024 onwards. In its capacity as an exhibition venue for photography and visual media, the C/O Berlin Foundation will be responsible for implementing the project.
CONTACTS
Dr. Maja Pflüger
Crespo Foundation
Katharina Täschner
C/O Berlin Foundation