Movie by Da Miane wins the 2026 Special Prize for Artistic Sensitivity
We are delighted to announce that the 2026 Special Prize for Artistic Sensitivity goes to Movie by Da Miane, an author from Tbilisi, Georgia. The photograph was chosen from among the thousands of entries by Giorgio Celiberti, an internationally renowned artist and a historic figure of the Venice Biennale, who each year gives the award to the image whose depth and evocative power go beyond technique.
The winning photograph will receive the Stele Celiberti, an original sculptural work made by hand by the artist, and Giorgio Celiberti himself will present it during the URBAN Photo Awards ceremony, held as part of Trieste Photo Days on Saturday 24 October at 6pm.
The photograph: Movie
Photography, unlike video — which can capture movement and film a scene from various angles while in motion — freezes motion in time. There are cases, however, where photography can express motion far more powerfully than one would expect. Even though this photo wasn’t taken with a long exposure, the sense of movement is strong. This is due to the incorporation of characteristics typically associated with video, such as the impression of sequential frames and the ability to perceive the subject from different angles.
Movie by Da Miane
The photographer: Da Miane
In his own words:
Probably, I was born in Tbilisi on 9th March 1995, as they said. I have started taking a great interest in visual art since my childhood, used to watch movies, see the paintings of distinguished painters and take photos by mobile phone as well. Of course, not surprisingly, after finishing school, I started studying Literary Studies at university (I am not kidding) and this choice helped me greatly for widening my imagination. I took photography seriously when I became exhausted by everyday routine and started wandering in Tbilisi street (seems accidental, doesn’t it?).
Portfolio: da-miane.myportfolio.com
Instagram: @da.miane.photographer
Facebook: Da Miane
Giorgio Celiberti
Born in Udine in 1929, Giorgio Celiberti first drew attention at the age of nineteen at the 1948 Venice Biennale, becoming the youngest artist ever presented at the celebrated exhibition. His travels in Europe and the United States left a deep mark on his work, as did the time he spent in Paris in the 1950s. In 1965 a visit to the Terezín concentration camp inspired a cycle of works of extraordinary emotional intensity. A painter and sculptor, he has explored a wide range of materials and themes over the course of his career, exhibiting all over the world.
2025 was a year of remarkable recognition: his Sigillo di Pace (Seal of Peace) entered the permanent collection of the European Parliament in Brussels; he personally presented Preghiera di Pace (Prayer for Peace) to Pope Leo XIV; and he received the Premio Pro Majano, one of the most important awards in his region. In 2026 one of his works enters the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome.
Website: giorgioceliberti.com
