Latif
Al-Ani

Awardee

Country

Iraq

Latif Al-Ani promoted free expression through his photography.

Themes
Free Expression / Civil Society
Disciplines
Photography
Awards
Archive - Prince Claus Laureate 2015

Profile

Latif Al-Ani (1932-2021) was a photographer based in Iraq. Known as the "father of Iraqi photography," Al-Ani captured the social and urban transformation of Iraq from the 1950s through the 1970s. His black-and-white images document the life and architecture of Baghdad and other cities in a period of rapid modernization, providing a unique visual record of a bygone era. His work showcases themes of modernity and memory, chronicling both the optimism of his times and the subsequent conflicts that have reshaped the region.Al-Ani’s photographs have been exhibited internationally, including significant displays at the Venice Biennale and the Iraqi Pavilion. His contributions to photography not only preserve moments of Iraqi heritage but also offer insights into the cultural and historical landscape of the Middle East.