Rene Matić wins The Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2026
Matić was announced as the 2026 winner of the prestigious £30,000 prize at The Photographers’ Gallery, London by author and broadcaster Liv Little on Thursday 14 May 2026.
The influential prize, in partnership with the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation, 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 and Chair of the Jury, 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 their power both to heal and bring people together. Rene's raw and honest photographs bring a story of Britain today to audiences outside the UK. 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. Their 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, Weronika Gęsicka and Amak Mahmoodian.’
The other shortlisted artists – Jane Evelyn Atwood, Weronika Gęsicka and Amak Mahmoodian – all received £5,000. The exhibition showcasing work by all four shortlisted artists is on show at The Photographers’ Gallery until 7 June 2026. It will then be on display from 3 September 2026 to 17 January 2027 at the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation in The Cube in Eschborn.