The International Center of Photography (ICP) is gearing up for its 41st Annual Infinity Awards Gala, set to take place on April 1, 2025, at Tisch Skylights at The Shed. This prestigious event will spotlight remarkable achievements across the fields of contemporary photography and photojournalism, with all proceeds supporting ICP's initiatives dedicated to artists and community engagement.
This year's gala will honor seven distinguished photographers recognized for their significant contributions, each of whom, according to Bob Jeffrey, CEO of ICP, has expanded the boundaries of the medium. Jeffrey noted, “Each year, the ICP Infinity Awards are a chance to honor the incredible work of leading practitioners, affirming ICP’s commitment to concerned photography and its ability to change the world.”
The recipients of the 2025 Infinity Awards include:
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Susan Meiselas
- Contemporary Photography & New Media: Lebohang Kganye
- Editorial & Commercial Photography: Jack Davison
- Documentary Practice & Photojournalism: Samar Abu Elouf, Nanna Heitmann, and Ziv Koren
- Special Recognition Award: Aldo Fallai
Among the notable recipients, Susan Meiselas is celebrated for her enduring impact on documentary photography, particularly related to human rights issues. A New York-based photographer, she is renowned for her works such as _Carnival Strippers_ (1976) and _Nicaragua_ (1981). Meiselas has received numerous accolades, including the MacArthur Fellowship and the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize. She also leads the Magnum Foundation, dedicated to enhancing diversity and creativity within the field.
Lebohang Kganye, hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, is acclaimed for her innovative exploration of personal history and ancestry through photography. Her works engage deeply with South African narratives, drawing from her family archive to examine themes of home and identity. Kganye’s contributions to the field were recognized when she received the Deutsche Börse Foundation Prize for her exhibition _Haufi Nyana? I’ve Come to Take You Home_.
Jack Davison, whose artistic vision captures the surreal and sensual aspects of everyday life, has had notable exhibitions and received significant commissions, including work for _The New York Times_. His photographic style emphasizes the abstract nature of the medium, piquing curiosity and emotion.
Samar Abu Elouf, also awarded for her documentary practice, has bravely documented life in the Gaza Strip since 2010. Her work sheds light on the brutal realities of conflict, particularly her poignant coverage of the recent military actions following the October 7th Hamas attacks, which deeply affected her personal life.
Nanna Heitmann, recognized for her powerful contributions to documentary photography, captures the stark contrasts of modern Russia and its war narratives through her lens. She has garnered recognition for her previous works on environmental crises as well, underlining her versatility and commitment to storytelling through the medium.
Ziv Koren's extensive career as a photojournalist spans over three decades, during which he has documented conflicts and humanitarian issues on a global scale. His recent works focusing on the Israeli conflict highlight his dedication to visual storytelling amid chaotic circumstances.
Aldo Fallai, who emerged as a prominent fashion photographer starting with Giorgio Armani, combines his artistic vision with classic art influences, showcasing his unique blend of fashion and fine art photography.
The gala, co-chaired by ICP Trustees Renee Harbers Liddell and Stefano Tonchi, is not just about recognition; it’s also about supporting ICP’s extensive programs aimed at fostering dialogue and education through the lens of photography. Since its establishment, ICP has presented more than 700 exhibitions and initiated countless educational programs.
The Infinity Awards are more than just accolades; they represent the evolution and impact of photography as both art and social commentary. The event is as much about celebrating individual achievements as it is about acknowledging the collective power of photography to inspire change and raise awareness across various social issues. The public can look forward to hearing from the awarded photographers about their experiences and visions for the future of the medium at the gala.
With the 2025 Infinity Awards fast approaching, anticipation builds for who will join the ranks of legendary past recipients and what groundbreaking work will be recognized this year. The event promises to be both inspiring and thought-provoking, highlighting the rich tradition of concerned photography championed by the ICP since its founding.