The photographs feature in Atwood’s publication Too Much Time – Women in Prison, which stems from a 10-year investigation during which she accompanied incarcerated women in 40 prisons across nine countries in the 1990s. Through research and empathy, Atwood documented the lived realities of female inmates: limited access to hygienic facilities, a lack of gynaecological and mental health care, and stark inequalities compared to their male counterparts. The intimacy of her black & white images is rooted in her long-term commitment and unwavering advocacy for women in prison – a cause Atwood continues to champion today.
Originally established in 1996, the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize identifies and rewards artists for an exhibition or book that has made a significant contribution to photography in the past 12 months.
The 2026 shortlisted artists also include Weronika Gęsicka, Amak Mahmoodian and Rene Matić. Their work, which ranges from collaborative photography projects to installations, video and sound pieces, will feature in an exhibition at the Photographers’ Gallery in London from 6 March to 7 June.
The winner of the £30,000 prize will be announced on Thursday 14 May, with each of the other shortlisted artists receiving £5,000.