The jury of the 5th edition of the Social Photo Award chose to reward Marion Gronier for her series entitled “Quelque chose comme une araignée” (“Something like a spider”). Her work carried out in psychiatric institutions offers a unique and sensitive look at the realities experienced by hospitalized people. It particularly resonates this year as mental health has been designated a “Great National Cause” by the government.
The photographs focused on bodies, postures and gestures, constrained and controlled, highlighting the reactions and resistance of ostracized patients. Completed by the voices and quotes of hospitalized people commenting on the photographs, this work opens a new dialogue on their experiences and sensitivities, questioning our own representations and prejudices.
The jury, chaired by Jane Evelyn Atwood and composed of recognized professionals from the world of photography and the associative world, praised the strength and subtlety of Marion Gronier’s photographs. The jury underlined the intelligence of participatory work which makes it possible to approach a complex subject in a fresh way.
The two finalists for the Prize are Morgan Fache for his series “In the Shadow of an Island” on people living in precarious housing on the island of the Reunion and Céline Villegas for her series “Bains douches” which highlights these living and meeting places and their users.
The work of the winner and finalists will be presented in two upcoming exhibitions:
– From April 4th to May 18th at the Galerie Le Château d’Eau in Toulouse (opening on April 3)
– From May 28th to July 5th at the Town Hall of the 10th arrondissement of Paris (opening on 05/27)
a book will be published by Le Bec en l’air in October 2025.
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@PrixPhotoSociale
