Belgian Photographer Simon Vansteenwinckel Wins Prestigious Nadar Prize for “In the Shadows”
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A powerful photographic exploration of Lakota tradition and resilience has earned Belgian artist Simon Vansteenwinckel the 71st edition of the Nadar Gens d’images prize. The award, announced today, recognizes Vansteenwinckel’s work, “In the Shadows,” published by lamaindonne, for its compelling depiction of a vital cultural practice.
A legacy of Photographic Excellence
As its inception in 1955, the Nadar Gens d’images prize has annually honored a photography book published by a French publisher. In 2025, after careful consideration of 122 submissions, the jury unanimously selected Vansteenwinckel’s project. The prize underscores the enduring importance of photographic storytelling and its ability to illuminate complex human experiences.
Vansteenwinckel will receive a combined €15,000 in grants, with €10,000 coming from the French Ministry of Culture and an additional €5,000 from Fnac.Beyond the financial reward, “In the Shadows” will be enshrined in the Department of Prints and Photography of the national Library of France and the Gens d’images collection at the Nicéphore Niépce museum library in Chalon-sur-Saône. Public presentations, including a workshop at ADAGP on november 19, are planned throughout France to showcase the award-winning work.
Witnessing a Spiritual Journey
“In the Shadows” documents the annual winter pilgrimage undertaken by members of the Lakota (Sioux) tribes. Each December, participants embark on a grueling two-week ride, covering approximately 450 kilometers (280 miles) through regions where temperatures can plummet to -20°C (-4°F). This journey is a intentional retracing of the path taken by the tribe of Chief Big Foot, whose peopel-primarily women and children, according to the artist-were tragically massacred at Wounded Knee on December 29, 1890.
Vansteenwinckel’s photographs aim to capture the enduring resilience and spirituality of the Lakota people. He seeks to move beyond stereotypical portrayals frequently enough found in mainstream media, which frequently focus on the challenges of poverty, violence, and substance abuse within the community.
“For two weeks,the elders take care of the young people,take them out of their daily lives,teach them to ride horses,to be kind to them,but also introduce them to the soul and history of their nation,” Vansteenwinckel explains. “As they say, it’s not a walk but a spiritual ride.”
The photographer’s work offers a nuanced perspective, highlighting the vital role of elders in preserving cultural heritage and fostering a sense of identity among younger generations. it is indeed a testament to the power of tradition and the unwavering spirit of a people resolute to honor their past while forging a path toward the future.
Why did the Lakota undertake this journey? The annual winter ride retraces the path of chief Big Foot’s tribe, who were massacred at Wounded Knee in 1890. It serves as a memorial and a spiritual act of remembrance and healing.
Who is involved? Members of the Lakota tribes, particularly elders and young people, participate in the two-week pilgrimage. Belgian photographer Simon vansteenwinckel documented the journey, earning him the Nadar Prize.
What does the project entail? Vansteenwinckel’s “In the Shadows” is a photographic series documenting the 450-kilometer (280-mile)
