Iranian photographer wins Prins Claus Award

Iranian photographer Newsha Tavakolian has won the Prince Claus Award. Prince Constantijn will present the prize to her at a ceremony held in the Amsterdam Royal Palace on December 2nd. Newsha Tavakolian, born in 1981, is one of the first female photojournalists in Iran. According to the Prince Claus Fund, her work ranges from bold reportage of political events to sensitive portraits. She also covers evocative subjects such as female Kurdish fighters, the impact of sanctions on the lives of individuals and the insecurity of middle class youth. "The aesthetic and intellectual qualities of Tavakolian's stills, videos, installations and photo-books question stereotypes and inspire young photographers across the Middle East", the Fund writes. Many of her photos can be viewed on her website. The Iranian photographer will receive a prize of 100 thousand euros. Her work will also be exhibited by the Prince Claus Fund Gallery in Amsterdam between November 27th and March 4th. The Fund will also be honoring 10 other artists and role models for their pioneering work in culture and development. These so-called Prince Clause Laureates will each receive 25 thousand euros at the ceremony on December 2nd. The full list of Laureates can be seen here.