Preben Holst from Norway, who completed his Bachelor’s degree in photography at the
Trondheim Academy of Fine Art in Norway 2007, has been selected to receive the 2008 Victor Fellowship for his exhibition Still life.
Comments from the judges Anne Williams, Programme Director for Photography, London College of Communication and Anna Fox, Photographer and Programme Director for Photography, The University for the Creative Arts in Farnham:
As usual the work in the New Nordic Photography exhibition is of very high standard, both in terms of its visual flare and the ideas contained within each project. Our congratulations to the curators who have done a wonderful job.
In searching for a winner we are looking for someone whose work shows that they have an original vision capable of innovation.
Preben’s work is a remarkable depiction of childhood that emerges from personal memory yet enters into a territory that touches on our collective memory - or rather fantasy - of childhood. He works, as he says himself, somewhere between anxiety and tranquillity. What is conveyed, so successfully, is a sense of the ambiguity of an almost Edenic world, aware of its own imminent demise. This body of work stands out because it is conceptually engaging as well as highly accomplished aesthetically, both in terms of its photographic quality and its skilful use of installation, bringing to life the fascinating multi layered narrative running through the work.
The finalists were 9 nominated candidates. Their work are displayed together with the work of last year’s recipient Anna Linderstam, in the exhibit New Nordic Photography- Common Grounds at the Hasselblad Center from June 14 to August 24, 2008.
Preben Holst will now pursue one year of postgraduate academic studies in United Kingdom at either The London College of Communication, London or at The University for the Creative Arts in Farnham with the prize sum of SEK 200,000 to cover tuition fees, housing, etc.
High resolution images are available for »download here«. Login necessary! Please contact the Hasselblad Foundation for information (info@hasselbladfoundation.org).
Previous Recipients of The Victor Fellowship:
2007 Anna Linderstam, Stockholm
2006 Daniel Andersson, Stockholm
2005 Hyun-Jin Kwak, Stockholm
2004 Pernilla Zetterman, Stockholm
