On November 16, the Steenbergen Stipendium 2023 was awarded to Uedia Ballijn for her project 'In Pursuit of Tongo' at the Nederlands Fotomuseum. The Audience Award went to... Sean Charlton White.
The Steenbergen Stipendium is awarded annually to a student from one of the five accredited Dutch art academies for the best photographic graduation project. Each year, the work of the nominees is showcased at the Nederlands Fotomuseum, providing a platform for the photographic heritage of the future. The winner of the 26th edition is Uedia Ballijn with her work *In Pursuit of Tongo*. In pursuit of TongoBallijn graduated in 2023 from the Willem de Kooning Academy (WDKA) in Rotterdam and is also the first winner from this academy. Ballijn receives a prize of €5,000 from the Steenbergen Foundation. Visitors to the Nederlands Fotomuseum were able to cast their vote for the Audience Award. The most votes went to... Sean Charlton White with the project Welcome in the Netherlands – A Visual Study of Western Society Through the Dutch Neoliberal Utopia.
Winner Steenbergen Stipendium: UedIa Ballijn
In "In Pursuit of Tongo" In Pursuit of Tongo is a journey through time and space, offering a profound reflection on both the fear and love of a mother tongue. Ballijn sees this work as a correspondence with her younger self. Through the medium of photography, video documentation, writing, and altered 'mattenkloppers', Ballijn has created a dynamic and tangible platform where 'discovery' is central. The installation symbolizes the exploration of her personal linguistic identity and the recognition of imposed limitations.
De jury over In Pursuit of Tongo
The jury, consisting of Munganyende Hélène Christelle (chair), Alexandre Furtado Melville, and Juul Hondius, has awarded the Steenbergen Stipendium 2023 to Uedia Ballijn. With her photography and installation project, Ballijn impressed the jury. The jury was particularly impressed by the significant growth the photographer has shown since her nomination, particularly through her presentation choices in the museum.
“With "In Pursuit of Tongo", Uedia Ballijn has admirably created a new language, not only for herself but for all of us. Her work reminds us that art has the power to break boundaries, address complex issues, and ignite both personal and collective revolutions.
“
Jury Chair Munganyende Hélène Christelle
Ballijn's work will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression in the world of contemporary art and photography. With her vision, she will continue to challenge and enrich the current perceptions of language, identity, and history.
The Audience Award went to Sean Charlton White.
Until November 14, visitors to the Nederlands Fotomuseum were able to cast their votes for the Audience Award. The most votes went to Sean Charlton White's 'Welkom in Nederland – A Visual Study of Western Society Through the Dutch Neoliberal Utopiavan' van Sean Charlton White.
By utilizing various photographic elements, White creates images where the boundaries between fact and fiction blur. The viewer is compelled to reflect on the ideals and realities of our societies.
Reflection on the nominees
The jury visits the graduation exhibitions of various art academies in the Netherlands each year to select the five best photographic graduation projects for the Steenbergen Stipendium. The findings for each nominee are outlined in the... Jury Report.
Steenbergen Stichting and the Stipend
The Steenbergen Stipendium aims to highlight high-quality photographic projects. Over the past twenty-six years, it has established itself as a leading award, respected by academies, students, and critics alike. Previous recipients of the Steenbergen Stipendium include Romina Koopman (2022), Laura Bouman (2021), Pippilotta Yerna (2020), Olya Oleinic (2014), Jaya Pelupessy (2013), Ola Lanko (2012), Petra Stavast (2002), and Andrea Stultiens (1998). Traditionally, the presentation of the Steenbergen Stipendium takes place at the Nederlands Fotomuseum, which provides a platform for emerging photographic talent.
foto above: Juryvoorzitter Munganyende Hélène Christelle feliciteert Uedia Ballijn © Blue Exhibit Photography