anmyle

Are These Photographers Geniuses?

Is the photo above the work of a genius? Last week, the MacArthur Foundation announced its “Genius” grants – a $500,000, five year grant with no strings attached prize – to people who “show exceptional creativity in their work and the prospect for still more in the future.” Since 1981, 873 fellows have been named, and of those, only nine have been photographers. Two of them were awarded this year: Uta Barth and and An-My Lê.

Two Photographers Selected for $500,000 MacArthur “Genius” Grants

Every year, the MacArthur Foundation selects 20-40 exceptional people in the United States and awards them with $500,000 MacArthur Fellowship "Genius Grants" -- prestigious awards that come with no strings attached. Winners are of all ages, come from all kinds of fields, and are selected purely because they "show exceptional merit and promise for continued and enhanced creative work."

The 2012 winners were revealed today, and of the 23 people selected, two of them were photographers: Uta Barth and An-My Lê.