Dior Photography and Visual Arts Award for Young Talents Continues To Propel The Careers Of Promising Photographers

Iris Millot wins 6th edition of Dior Photography and Visual Arts Award for Young Talents.

Organized in partnership with the École Nationale Supérieure de la Photographie d’Arles (ENSP), LUMA Arles — the arts and culture center established by Maja Hoffmann’s LUMA Foundation — and Parfums Christian Dior, this year’s competition named young photographer Iris Millot as the winner for her photo series “Mont Lion”. The series features her great aunt Hélène, who has been farming the family’s land for the past 40 years.

Iris Millot Triumphs in the 6th Edition of Dior Photography and Visual Arts Award for Young Talents: Celebrating the Unconventional and Evocative Lens of Emerging Photography Artists

The world of photography has always been a canvas for creativity and expression, providing a platform for artists to capture poignant moments and weave compelling narratives. In the pursuit of fostering the next generation of photographic talent, the 6th edition of the Dior Photography and Visual Arts Award for Young Talents was organized in collaboration with the École Nationale Supérieure de la Photographie d’Arles (ENSP), LUMA Arles—a cultural center established by Maja Hoffmann’s LUMA Foundation—and Parfums Christian Dior. Amongst a pool of exceptional young photographers, Iris Millot emerged victorious, claiming the prestigious award for her evocative photo series titled “Mont Lion,” which intimately explores the life of her great aunt, Hélène, a dedicated family farmer.

The distinguished jury panel, comprising eminent personalities from the realms of fashion, photography, art history, and creative direction, collectively acknowledged Millot’s remarkable talent and artistic vision. This year’s jury president, renowned fashion photographer Rafael Pavarotti, known for capturing images that embrace diversity, was joined by the likes of Belgian photographer Barbara Iweins, French art historian and photographer Damarice Amao, Dior Make-up Creative and Image Director Peter Philips, Maja Hoffmann, and Simon Baker, the Director of the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris.

Millot’s “Mont Lion” series drew universal acclaim from the jury for its subtle and thought-provoking portrayal of life choices and their enduring impact. Her work intricately weaves together different temporal, personal, and social layers, delving into the farming history and the women’s liberation movement, as seen through the lens of her great aunt’s inspiring life—a life that seems akin to a character from a fairy tale.

The 10,000-euro grant awarded by Parfums Christian Dior serves as a testament to the brand’s commitment to nurturing emerging talents and their dedication to empowering the arts community. The grant will undoubtedly fuel Millot’s artistic journey, allowing her to continue her exploration of capturing life’s intricacies through her evocative lens.

The spotlight, however, does not shine solely on the winner; the recognition extended to all 12 finalists who exhibited their remarkable artworks, including Jermine Chua from Central Saint Martins in London, whose video earned the Jury Honorable Mention. This collective exhibition at LUMA Arles’ Grande Halle space from July 3 through September 24, 2023, promises to be an artistic feast, offering visitors a glimpse into the diverse perspectives and storytelling techniques of these young talents.

The Dior Photography and Visual Arts Award for Young Talents holds immense significance for the emerging photography artists, as it not only celebrates their creativity but also provides them with a platform to showcase their work on an international stage. This recognition and exposure are invaluable for budding photographers as they navigate the competitive and ever-evolving world of visual arts.

With each passing edition, the Dior Photography and Visual Arts Award for Young Talents continues to propel the careers of promising photographers, serving as a beacon of hope for those seeking to make their mark in the artistic realm. Through this initiative, Parfums Christian Dior, in collaboration with ENSP and LUMA Arles, is making a profound contribution to the nurturing and preservation of photography as a powerful medium of storytelling, captivating hearts and minds around the world. As the artistic community eagerly awaits the 6th edition’s exhibition, there is no doubt that Iris Millot and her fellow finalists will inspire and redefine the boundaries of contemporary photography, leaving an indelible impression on the art world for years to come.