Nathalie Bissig is the near. prize 2026 winner! 💥
Congratulations!

Bissig will present the winning project in a dedicated exhibition at Galerie & Edition Stephan Witschi this November. More details will follow soon.
@nathaliebissig @stephanwitschigalerie

near. prize jury statement:

The Wolves Were So Bold Last Night, That They Carried Away a Fresh Bearskin That Was Lying by the Fire is an ongoing black-and-white series set in the Canton of Uri, where Bissig draws on Alpine myths and legends — created together with local children in handmade costumes and masks — to explore how communities use stories to make sense of a fragile, uncertain world.

The jury was won over by a subject deeply rooted in the community of Uri: a very Swiss, local theme carried by a strong, recognizable visual language. Exploring one's own heritage is a bold position, and Bissig does it through black-and-white photography that is technically superb yet never dull, created with wit and humor. We were especially moved by how she brings the community itself into the work, and by its interdisciplinary reach — from photography into the crafting of costumes and objects. The submission itself was exemplary in its professionalism.

Congratulations — we look forward to seeing what she brings to the gallery space this November!