Lu Guang receives Prince Claus Award from ambassador at ceremony in Beijing

Photographer and photojournalist Lu Guang is one of 11 laureates of the 2013 Prince Claus Award. On Thursday, April 17, 2014, Lu Guang received the award from Aart Jacobi, Dutch ambassador to China, in an awarding ceremony at the 798 Photo Gallery in the 798 art district in Beijing.

 Lu Guang, born in the city of Yongkang in Zhejiang province, in 1961, previously received a World Press Photo Award for his photographic work about the HIV tragedy in China’s Henan province. Through his work, Lu Guang puts the spotlight on the dramatic effects of China’s rapid industrialization.

“Lu Guang is honoured for showing people the truth through his moving photographic testimony on hidden human tragedies and devastated environments; for his astute use of fine aesthetics, compelling narratives and digital media to activate public response and compel authorities to take remedial action; for his courage, integrity and sustained commitment to tackling sensitive issues in a difficult context; and for demonstrating the powerful role of photography as a medium for social change.”

As well as an award, Lu Guang will also receive a cash prize in support of his work as a independent photographer in China. “Polluted Landscapes” – an exposition of works by Lu Guang on the effects on the environment of the industrialization of Inner Mongolia – is currently on show in Beijing’s, 798 Photo Gallery.