{"id":39277,"date":"2025-08-04T16:56:04","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T14:56:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.urbanphotoawards.com\/?p=39277"},"modified":"2025-08-06T10:40:19","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T08:40:19","slug":"matt-black-special-prize-gazes-on-existence-a-powerful-collective-story-curated-by-a-master-of-documentary-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.urbanphotoawards.com\/en\/matt-black-special-prize-gazes-on-existence-a-powerful-collective-story-curated-by-a-master-of-documentary-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"Matt Black Special Prize \u2013 Gazes on Existence: A powerful collective story curated by a master of documentary photography"},"content":{"rendered":"

For the 16th edition of the URBAN Photo Awards, we are proud to introduce a new Special Prize curated by one of the leading voices in contemporary documentary photography: <\/span>Matt Black<\/b>. Renowned for his raw and poetic visual storytelling, Black has selected a group of compelling photographic projects to be exhibited alongside his own work <\/span>from October 24th to November 9th<\/b> at <\/span>Magazzino 26<\/b>, one of the main venues of <\/span>Trieste Photo Days 2025<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Matt Black Special Prize \u2013 Gazes on Existence<\/b> is not a traditional award with a single winner, but a curatorial recognition that highlights <\/span>projects with strong documentary depth and emotional resonance<\/b>. These works, handpicked by Black from the submissions to the Projects & Portfolios section, share a common commitment to exploring the human condition across different geographies, social contexts, and personal perspectives.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The following authors will have their work exhibited with Matt Black\u2019s own series<\/strong>, in a shared space designed to foster dialogue between visual voices from around the world:<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Antonio Denti<\/i> – Notes from the Edge<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u2018Notes from the Edge<\/strong>\u2019 is a photographic exploration of a time when the old world has ended, but the new has yet to arrive, capturing lives pushed to the edges by momentous developments. It reflects the constant human effort – amid transition, turmoil, and uncertainty \u2014 to find meaning at these very edges.<\/p>\n

\n \n \u00a9 Antonio Denti - Notes from the Edge<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \u00a9 Antonio Denti - Notes from the Edge<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \u00a9 Antonio Denti - Notes from the Edge<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Maurizio Orlando <\/i>– Daniel<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n

During the Covid crisis in Montreal, I met Daniel<\/strong>, the longtime solitary caretaker of a chapel whose daily rituals reflect a life rebuilt on quiet persistence. Through documenting his world, I explored not only his solitude but also my own questions about isolation, aging, and the search for meaning.<\/p>\n

\n \n \u00a9 Maurizio Orlando - Daniel<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \u00a9 Maurizio Orlando - Daniel<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \u00a9 Maurizio Orlando - Daniel<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Michele Zousmer<\/i> – MIS[S]UNDERSTOOD<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n

MIS[S]UNDERSTOOD spotlights the vital\u00a0role of women\u00a0in the Irish\u00a0Traveller community, portraying them\u00a0as the cornerstone\u00a0of family life\u00a0and tradition\u00a0while facing\u00a0discrimination\u00a0despite their\u00a0cultural significance. Through empathetic, honest\u00a0visual storytelling, this work seeks\u00a0to humanize the\u00a0community, challenge\u00a0prejudice, and\u00a0evoke deeper\u00a0understanding\u00a0and connection.<\/p>\n

\n \n \u00a9 Michele Zousmer - Mis[s]understood<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \u00a9 Michele Zousmer - Mis[s]understood<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \u00a9 Michele Zousmer - Mis[s]understood<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Shaun O’Boyle<\/i> – Anthracite Streets<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n

This work examines the urban landscapes shaped by the anthracite coal mines of Eastern Pennsylvania, where immigrant-built company towns – known as “Patches<\/strong>” – bear the marks of industrial and environmental transformation. Through exploring these dense settlements and altered terrains, the project reveals the region\u2019s layered history, distinctive architecture, and the enduring tension between economic survival and environmental impact.<\/p>\n

\n \n \u00a9 Shaun O'Boyle - Anthracite Streets<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \u00a9 Shaun O'Boyle - Anthracite Streets<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \u00a9 Shaun O'Boyle - Anthracite Streets<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

We are also pleased to mention the following projects<\/strong> which were acknowledged by Matt Black<\/strong> for their powerful imagery and thematic richness.<\/span><\/p>\n