Since 1999, the non-profit group Gens d’Images has been giving its Prix Arcimboldo, the only prize celebrating excellence in digital photography and photo manipulation.

For the 2012 edition, the jury got together yesterday at the offices of Swiss Life, sponsors of the prize, and decided to give this year’s prize to Claudia Imbert for her series ‘La Famille Incertaine’ (The Uncertain Family).Each photographer in the running for the prize is suggested by what Gens d’Images call a « qualified personality ». Amongst these sages this year was our very own Alain Bisotti whose suggestion was the work of Angela Svoronou. Angela has taken part in our photo project Photo d’Hôtel, Photo d’Auteur, also known as PHPA, also known as A Hotel Photo, An Artist’s View (phew!). You can see one of her photos on the fourth floor of La Belle Juliette. Unfortunately, she didn’t win.

But we’re not bitter; Claudia Imbert deserves her prize. ‘La Famille Incertaine’ uses subtle retouching to give exterior views from interiors, and the two wouldn’t be possible to see in a single, classic shot.

There’s a slightly strange feeling to the photos, but it’s not easy to define exactly why one feels this unease. There’s something about the scene itself, and something about the way it is presented. There’s also a faint ressemblance to Philip-Lorca diCorcia in some shots…Claudia wins an 8.000€ prize, provided by Swiss Life, and an exhibition of her work will be held in June this year.

By the way, Claudia also makes slightly conceptual short films that are worth checking out. Apparently she very much likes swimmers, divers and water polo players!

Claudia Imbert’s website: www.claudiaimbert.com

Claudia Imbert’s blog: www.claudiaimbert.com/leblog

Gens d’Image: www.gensdimages.com