The Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation announced Rene Matić as the 2026 winner of the prestigious £30,000 prize at The Photographers’ Gallery, London on Thursday 14 May 2026.
The influential prize, presented in partnership with The Photographers’ Gallery, rewards artists and their projects recognised as having made the most significant contribution to international contemporary photography in Europe over the past 12 months.
Rene Matić (b. 1997, Peterborough, UK) was awarded the Prize for the exhibition “AS OPPOSED TO THE TRUTH”, at CCA Berlin, Germany (8 November 2024 – 15 February 2025). Featuring newly produced photographs, installations and sound pieces, “AS OPPOSED TO THE TRUTH” is rooted in identity and belonging, subculture, class and family. Matić’s diaristic, snapshot-like photography captures everyday moments with poetic intimacy. The photographs, combined with collected objects, film and sound, form a vivid and layered portrait of contemporary life.
Matić’s practice spans across photography, film and sculpture, converging in a meeting place they describe as “rude(ness)” – an evidencing and honouring of the in-between. In a climate of rising right-wing populism and performative compassion, they turn to interpersonal relationships as spaces of resistance and care, how people hold on to one another, and learn to live with vulnerability – despite, or in defiance of, so-called contemporary ‘truths’. For Matić, intimacy, vulnerability and desire become tools for survival.
Shoair Mavlian, Director of The Photographers’ Gallery, said:
“We are delighted to announce Rene Matić as the winner of the 2026 Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize.
Rene’s deeply personal work is rooted in community and belonging – and the power of both to heal and bring people together. Their raw and honest photographs bring the story of Britain today to audiences outside the U K.
We have been thrilled to share Rene’s work with our visitors, alongside the other shortlisted artists. Many congratulations to Rene.”
Anne-Marie Beckmann, Director of the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation, said:
“Congratulations to Rene.
Rene’s photography captures everyday life with tenderness and intimacy. The importance of chosen family and community shines through. Rene’s photographs celebrate the togetherness of people – whether they are laughing, kissing or partying.
Rene’s project ‘AS OPPOSED TO THE TRUTH ’ is a vivid, fluid portrait of contemporary life. Their experimental approach expands what photography is and how we experience it.
Many congratulations and thanks to the other shortlisted artists – Jane Evelyn Atwood, W eronika G ęsicka and Amak Mahmoodian.”
https://www.deutscheboersephotographyfoundation.org/index.php
