Mikhael Subotzky
author · photographer
Mikhael Subotzky is a South African artist and photographer based in Johannesburg. He graduated from the Michaelis School of Fine Art at the University of Cape Town in 2004. His work, which spans installation, film, video, and photography, often engages critically with the politics of representation and social issues in South Africa. Subotzky is a member of Magnum Photos (joined in 2011) and his works are held in major collections including the Centre Pompidou and the Museum of Modern Art. He has received numerous accolades, including the Oskar Barnack Award for his book 'Beaufort West' and the Deutsche Börse Photography Prize.[1,2,3]
Themes
- South African society
- prison systems
- politics of representation
- social disparities
Books
Works by Mikhael Subotzky
- Beaufort West 2008 · Chris Boot · book · English ISBN 9781905712113 First photobook; includes an essay by Jonny Steinberg.
- Retinal Shift 2012 · Steidl · book ISBN 9783869305394 Catalogue for his Standard Bank Young Artist Exhibition.
- Ponte City 2014 · Steidl · book ISBN 9783869307503 Collaborative work with Patrick Waterhouse.
Exhibitions
- 2005 Die Vier Hoeke = The Four Corners Pollsmoor Prison, Cape Town solo
- 2008 New Photography: Josephine Meckseper and Mikhael Subotzky Museum of Modern Art, New York group
- 2009 Still Revolution: Suspended in Time Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, Toronto group
- 2011 Figures & Fictions: Contemporary South African Photography Victoria and Albert Museum, London group
- 2014 Ponte City Le Bal, Paris group
Awards
- 2007 Ville de Perpignan Rémi Ochlik award, Visa pour l'image
- 2007 KLM Paul Huf Award Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam
- 2008 W. Eugene Smith Grant W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund
- 2009 Oskar Barnack Award Leica Oskar Barnack Award
- 2011 Discovery Award Rencontres d'Arles
- 2015 Deutsche Börse Photography Prize

