The Hasselblad Foundation has announced that French artist Sophie Ristelhueber is the winner of the 2025 Hasselblad Award, considered one of the most significant distinctions in the field of photography. The award, which includes a prize of 2,000,000 Swedish kronor, approximately 200,000 US Dollars, is accompanied by a gold medal and a Hasselblad camera.
At 75 years old, Sophie Ristelhueber is recognized for her unique approach to war photography. Unlike traditional photojournalists, she focuses on the traces and scars left by conflicts on landscapes, architecture, and human bodies, avoiding the direct depiction of violence. Her work highlights the lasting impact of human activities, particularly in regions such as Lebanon, Kuwait, the former Yugoslavia, Iraq, and the West Bank.
A literature graduate from the Sorbonne, Ristelhueber was influenced by the Nouveau Roman movement, which favors fragmented storytelling and meticulous attention to detail. This influence is evident in her photographic practice, where she emphasizes marks and details rather than the event itself. Her works have been exhibited in numerous international institutions, including MoMA in New York, Tate Modern in London, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
The 2025 Hasselblad Award jury praised Ristelhueber’s work for its precision, coherence, and unique exploration of landscapes and territories, whether public or private. They also highlighted her ability to challenge the field of journalistic photography by developing her own visual language.
In response to this distinction, Sophie Ristelhueber stated: “As you know, one does not die from not being loved, but from not being believed! This is what an old friend of mine used to remind me when we talked about the condition of being an artist. And indeed, to create new forms, we must take the risk that they may never find resonance. That is why this prestigious award holds such great importance for me as an artist.”
A solo exhibition of her work will be presented at the Hasselblad Center in Gothenburg from October 11, 2025, to January 26, 2026. This exhibition will mark Ristelhueber’s first solo presentation in Scandinavia. Several events will be organized during the Hasselblad Award Week, including a seminar in collaboration with the Västra Götaland County Administrative Board and a concert with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra on October 9. These will be followed by an opening reception, a book launch, and the official award ceremony on October 10 in Gothenburg.
Often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Photography”, the Hasselblad Award was last awarded to a French artist in 2010, when Sophie Calle was honored. The recognition of Sophie Ristelhueber this year underscores the significance of her work and its lasting impact on the world of contemporary photography.
More information about Sophie Ristelhueber can be found on her official website.
