Prix Pictet Presents: Isabelle von Ribbentrop and Brandei Estes in conversation with Valérie Belin
(c) Valérie Belin, Carol, 2016. Courtesy of Galerie Nathalie Obadia
Thursday 16 May
3pm, Prix Pictet Lounge, first floor
Isabelle von Ribbentrop and Brandei Estes in conversation with Valérie Belin
The Prix Pictet’s Executive Director and former Head of Photographs, Europe at Sotheby’s speaks to the Laureate of Prix Pictet Disorder, also named Photo London Master of Photography 2024
The Prix Pictet is the world’s leading award for photography and sustainability. It was founded in 2008 by the Pictet Group with the goal of harnessing the power of photography to draw global attention to the critical issue of global sustainability. To date, there have been ten cycles of the award, each with its own theme highlighting a particular facet of sustainability. Human is the theme for the current cycle, won by the Indian photographer Gauri Gill.
The Prix Pictet Lounge will host engaging conversations led by Prix Pictet’s Executive Director, Isabelle von Ribbentrop, which will bring together inspiring photographers who have previously won or been shortlisted for the award. Visitors will gain unique insights from some of the world’s most exciting voices in the medium and will have the opportunity to participate themselves in the conversation on sustainability.
Please note, Prix Pictet Lounge talks are free of charge to Photo London pass holders. Advanced booking is not required.
Speakers
Valérie Belin
Born in Boulogne-Billancourt in 1964
Lives and works in Paris
A student at the École Beaux-arts de Versailles (1983–1985), and then at the École Nationale Supérieure d’Art de Bourges (1985-1988), she obtained the French higher national diploma in visual expression in 1988 and also holds a diploma in advanced studies (DEA) in the philosophy of art from the Université de Paris Panthéon-Sorbonne (1989). Initially influenced by various minimalist and conceptual tendencies, Valérie Belin became interested in the photographic medium in its own right; this is at once the subject of her work and her way of reflecting and creating. Light, matter and the “body” of things and beings in general, as well as their transformations and representations, constitute the terrain of her experiments and the world of her artistic ideas. Her work is articulated in photographic series, each one produced within the framework of a specific project. The works of Valérie Belin have been exhibited around the world and are held in numerous public and private collections. Winner of the Prix Pictet in 2015 (Disorder), she was made an officer of France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2017. This same year, a touring exhibition was co-produced by the Three Shadows Photography Art Center in Beijing, the SCôP in Shanghai and the Chengdu Museum. In 2019, Valérie Belin unveils a major new series at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
Isabelle von Ribbentrop
Isabelle von Ribbentrop is Head of London Communications and Global Head of Branding, Advertising & Sponsoring. She began work with Corporate Communications in Pictet Frankfurt, before moving to London in 2008. Her overall responsibilities include advertising, branding and corporate identity, film and photography, events advisory and strategic philanthropy. Isabelle has been instrumental in the development of the Prix Pictet photography award, which since creation in 2008 has become one of the world’s most important arts prizes. She holds a BA Hons in History, Politics and Philosophy from the Humboldt University, Berlin and an MA in Imperial and Commonwealth History from King’s College, London.
Brandei Estes 
Brandei Estes spent over ten years working in photography and contemporary art galleries in London and Paris before joining Sotheby’s in 2013. Ms. Estes has been instrumental in the growth of the Photographs sales in Europe, and is the lead business getter for the department. Her comprehensive role within the team also includes professional writing, research and all aspects of auction estimates, fair market value, charitable donation and insurance appraisals.