The Grange Prize 2012, Art Gallery Of Ontario, Toronto, 5 September 2012 — January 2013
Four artists who have made a significant contribution to contemporary photography over the previous 5 years are selected by a panel of international experts for the shortlist exhibition. The winner is decided by public vote.
Jurors: Adam Broomberg and Oliver Chanarin, Charlotte Cotton, Sophie Hackett and Sara Knelman. Artists: Jason Evans, Emmanuelle Léonard, Jo Longhurst, Annie MacDonell.
Works exhibited: at AGO, Toronto, A-Z, 215 appropriated photographs on mdf; Suspension (I), digital print on wall vinyl; at Canada House, London, Breed, 4 photographs on aluminium; with an online selection of other works from The Refusal and Other Spaces
“Longhurst was nominated for The Grange Prize 2012 (now the AIMIA | AGO Photography Prize) for the impact of her series The Refusal and Other Spaces - series that examine the pursuit of perfection, in dog breeding and in elite sport. In Other Spaces in particular, her combination of appropriated, re-presented images alongside photographic, time-based and sculptural elements reinvigorated a relationship to still photographic images by variously extending their volume, scale and dimension in space. Each decision was keyed to amplify how ideas of perfection shape personal and national identities, and social and political systems. The simplicity of the presentation of her work in the Grange Prize exhibition, which so ably engaged such complex issues, is what led to her win the 2012 prize.” Sophie Hackett, lead juror and AGO Curator, Photography.
A Timely Experiment. The Public Vote and Image Culture, by Sophie Hackett
Photos © Art Gallery of Ontario, 2012