Artistic Duo Rongrong & inri to Be Honoured at 2016 Sony World Photography Awards

•               The fine art photographers have shaped contemporary photography in Asia

•               First major European exhibition of RongRong & inri’s work including new works from the critically acclaimed series Tsumari Story  to be shown as part of the 2016 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition

•               Images available from press.worldphoto.org

“This award genuinely encourages us to put more efforts into the development of photography. We have faith in this career we choose and love.” RongRong & inri

(SINGAPORE, 2 February 2016) – RongRong & inri, the influential photographic husband and wife team who have shaped contemporary photography in China and beyond, will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Photography prize at the 2016 Sony World Photography Awards.

The photographers are being recognised for both their careers as artists and their significant impact on Asian photography. 

RongRong & inri’s photography reflects the intimate world that they have created together and pushes the boundaries of traditional black-and-white darkroom techniques. Together they founded China’s first contemporary art space dedicated to the medium, the Three Shadows Photography Art Centre, and the 2015 Jimei x Arles Photo Festival in partnership with Les Recontres d’Arles.

Chinese photographer RongRong and Japanese artist inri will be presented with their award in London on 21 April 2016 , at the 2016 Sony World Photography Awards ceremony.

In celebration of the award, a special exhibition of RongRong & inri’s current and past work curated by Zelda Cheatle will be shown at Somerset House, London from 22 April to 8 May, as part of the 2016 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition. It will be the first time so many of the photographers’ works have been brought together outside of Asia and will include the European premiere of new works from their latest, critically acclaimed series, Tsumari Story.

The Sony World Photography Awards, the world’s biggest photography competition, is organised by the World Photography Organisation (WPO). Previous recipients of the Outstanding Contribution to Photography award include Eve Arnold, William Klein, Marc Riboud, William Eggleston, Mary Ellen Mark, Elliott Erwitt, Bruce Davidson and Phil Stern.

Talking about the selection of RongRong & inri, WPO Creative Director Astrid Merget Motsenigos, comments:

“RongRong & inri’s contribution to photography goes well beyond their extensive and exquisite production of still images. For over fifteen years they have personally contributed to the industry as a whole, specifically within their community, creating venues and resources for artists to flourish. Their photography has captured the great intimacy they have shared over the years and presents their unique interpretations in critically acclaimed photo stories, collages and installations. 

“Despite the significant contribution they have made, they are not broadly known internationally and we, the World Photography Organisation, want to help change that by celebrating the remarkable influence they both have had on the Asian photography community.”

Supporting this award, Christopher Phillips, Curator at the International Center of Photography, New York adds: 

“Long recognised for their own important creative photography, RongRong & inri took a bold step in 2007 when they founded China’s first independent photography centre, Three Shadows, in Beijing. Through its exhibitions, publications, international conferences, and annual awards for young Chinese photographers, Three Shadows has done more to encourage the serious appreciation of photography than any other organisation in China.”

Talking about their forthcoming award and exhibition RongRong & inri said:

“We are extremely honored to accept the Outstanding Contribution to Photography prize at the 2016 Sony World Photography Awards. When we made the step and founded Three Shadows Photography Art Centre eight years ago, we dared not imagine the status quo of Three Shadows and us. We are extremely grateful for the support and encouragement that we’ve received throughout the years, to which our recognition is due today. This award genuinely encourages us to put more efforts into the development of photography. We have faith in this career we choose and love. Besides our supporters, we would like to thank photography for giving us so many challenges and opportunities.”