The prestigious Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA) returns for another year, reaffirming its commitment to recognizing the significance of contemporary photography. Established in 1980, this renowned photography accolade continues to honor outstanding image series that offer profound insights into the human experience and its relationship with the environment.
A distinguished international jury, comprised of photography experts from around the globe, has been appointed to oversee the selection process. This year’s jury includes luminaries such as Dimitri Beck from Polka magazine, Per Gylfe from the International Centre of Photography (ICP), Ciril Jazbec, Amélie Schneider from Die Zeit, and Karin Rehn-Kaufmann from Leica Galleries International. Together, they will convene at Leica Camera AG headquarters in Wetzlar at the end of May to deliberate and shortlist up to twelve series, ultimately deciding the winners in both the Main and Newcomer categories.
The selection of nominees for the LOBA is a collaborative effort involving over 80 photography experts from approximately 50 countries. Each nominator presents up to three photo series, consisting of 15 to 20 photographs, that demonstrate a documentary or conceptual-artistic exploration of the human-environment relationship. This thematic consistency has been a hallmark of the LOBA since its inception, paying homage to Oskar Barnack, the visionary behind the iconic Ur Leica, on what would have been his 100th birthday in 1979.
In addition to the main category, the Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award, introduced in 2009, highlights emerging photographers under the age of 30. Collaborating with international institutions and universities from 20 countries, this award aims to nurture and showcase young talent within the photography community.
The LOBA’s esteemed reputation is further solidified by its substantial financial endowment, making it one of the most coveted photography awards worldwide. The main prize includes 40,000 euros in cash and Leica camera equipment valued at 10,000 euros, while the Newcomer Award winner receives 10,000 euros and a Leica Q3 camera.
Winning and shortlisted series will embark on a global touring exhibition, starting at the Ernst Leitz Museum in Wetzlar in October, followed by showcases at Leica galleries and select photo festivals worldwide. Additionally, the series will be featured in a comprehensive catalogue, providing an in-depth exploration of the artists’ work.
As the selection process unfolds, the shortlisted series will be showcased on the LOBA website in the coming summer months. The winners of both categories will be announced and honored at an award ceremony in Wetzlar in October 2024, marking another milestone in the celebration of contemporary photography.
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