TORONTO, May 7, 2019 /CNW/ - Today Stephen Waddell was named the winner of the ninth annual Scotiabank Photography Award at a gala reception in Toronto.

"Stephen's refined photographic explorations evoke his keen awareness about the poetics of space and the history of painting, while also walking the line between documentary and intimately personal visualizations." said Edward Burtynsky, Chair of the Scotiabank Photography Award jury and internationally renowned Canadian photo artist. "We look forward to helping him create a beautiful book and comprehensive exhibition in 2020."

As part of the prestigious Scotiabank Photography Award, Stephen Waddell will receive a $50,000 cash prize, a solo Primary Exhibition during the 2020 Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival, and a book of his work will be published and distributed worldwide by renowned art book publisher, Steidl.

Founded in 2010 with Edward Burtynsky, The Scotiabank Photography Award celebrates the creative vision and accomplishments of some of our country's most gifted photographers. It is Canada's largest and most prestigious annual peer-nominated and peer-reviewed award that recognizes the achievements of an established mid-to-later career artist and strives to accelerate their career as he or she reaches for the next level of national and international recognition.

Stephen Waddell joins an exclusive group of artists who have been honoured with the Award, including:

Moyra Davey (2018), Shelley Niro (2017), Suzy Lake (2016), Angela Grauerholz (2015), Mark Ruwedel (2014), Stan Douglas (2013), Arnaud Maggs (2012) and Lynne Cohen (2011).

"Congratulations to Stephen Waddell for being named the winner of the 2019 Scotiabank Photography Award," says Barb Mason, Chief Human Resources Officer, Scotiabank.  "Stephen's passion for his craft is evident through his photography and Scotiabank is proud to provide a stage to celebrate inspiring Canadian talent like his."

Shannon Bool and Althea Thauberger were also finalists for this year's award and will each receive cash prizes of $10,000. The 2019 Scotiabank Photography Award Nominees represent the result of an annual Canada-wide search for excellence. The Scotiabank Photography Award is peer-reviewed at every stage of the nomination and adjudication process and nominees must meet eligibility criteria.

Canadians can view 2018 Scotiabank Photography Award winner, Moyra Davey's Primary Exhibition at the Ryerson Image Centre during the 2019 Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival and beyond. The Exhibition is open to the public free of charge, from May 1 – August 4, 2019.

For more information about the Scotiabank Photography Award winner, finalists and jury, please visit the website at www.scotiabank.com/photoaward

About Scotiabank
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SOURCE Scotiabank