The Sony World Photography Awards has announced Susan Meiselas as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Photography Award.
Recognized for her transformative impact on documentary photography, Meiselas has built an exceptional body of work over five decades. Through her thoughtful portrayals of communities and dedication to human rights issues, she has expanded the role and perception of documentary photography, challenging viewers to connect with the lives and stories of her subjects.
Known for her profound exploration of women’s stories, Meiselas’ work spans a diverse range of themes. Her lens has captured the lives of girls growing up in New York’s Little Italy, strippers performing at state fairs, women escaping domestic violence in the UK, and the struggles of communities in Latin America. Her photographic essays—often grounded in the unique identities of her subjects—invite reflection on the relationships and testimonies that infuse her work. Meiselas often includes field notes and participant voices, creating a sense of collaboration with her subjects.
An exhibition celebrating her legacy will be held at London’s Somerset House from April 17 to May 5, 2025. It will showcase five of her most evocative projects, including works that have never before been exhibited in the UK. Among these are selections from 44 Irving Street, Prince Street Girls, and Carnival Strippers, as well as later projects such as Pandora’s Box and A Room of Their Own. The exhibition explores Meiselas’ recurring themes, including the hidden aspects of personal and communal life.
The Somerset House exhibition highlights Meiselas’ interpersonal approach. In 44 Irving Street (1971), Meiselas invited residents of her boarding house to reflect on how they saw themselves in contrast to their portraits. Prince Street Girls (1975-1990) captures the experiences of young girls coming of age in Little Italy, while Carnival Strippers (1972-75) documents the lives of women performing at carnivals in New England. This series includes both onstage and offstage moments, revealing the dynamics of their personal and professional lives through both visuals and recorded voices. Her immersive piece, Pandora’s Box (1995), documents a New York S&M club, while *A Room of Their Own* (2015-2017) presents photos and testimonies from women in a UK refuge, capturing their resilience and self-expression.
Susan Meiselas’ career began with her iconic Carnival Strippers project, undertaken during summers between 1972 and 1975. Since joining Magnum Photos in 1976, her work has been widely recognized, especially her powerful images of the Nicaraguan revolution in the late 1970s. These images, still vivid in public memory, underscore her ability to document moments of historical significance with sensitivity and authenticity.
Reflecting on the award, Meiselas shared, “I am honoured to receive this Award for my contribution to the ever-expanding world of photography. Over the past 50 years, I have had the privilege of witnessing history being made, sharing the often unseen lives of those engaged in its making. The work on display invites reflection not only on the photographs themselves but also on the relationships that shaped and inspired them.”
Meiselas joins an esteemed group of photographers honored by the Sony World Photography Awards, including Mary Ellen Mark (2014), Martin Parr (2017), Graciela Iturbide (2021), Edward Burtynsky (2022), and Sebastião Salgado (2024). The award ceremony, scheduled for April 16, 2025, in London, will celebrate Meiselas’ achievements and the work of other outstanding photographers worldwide.
For further information on the 2025 Sony World Photography Awards and other events, please visit www.worldphoto.org
