For the 2009 prize, over seventy nominators from six continents have already begun the search to identify the image, or set of images, that will have the power and artistic quality to convey this year’s theme of ‘earth’. ‘Earth’ refers not only to the planet and the soil beneath our feet, but also to the marks that man makes on the face of the land—either directly by creating mines, toxic waste, vast refuse dumps and blasted desert landscapes; or indirectly, through the scars left by fire, flood or famine. It also refers to the impact of natural disasters: earthquakes, landslides and volcanoes.

The shortlist of artists for Prix Pictet 2009 will be announced on 9 July at the Rencontres des Arles in France and an exhibition of their work will be shown at the Palais de Tokyo, Paris, where the award will be presented in October.
For more information about the Prix Pictet and detailed news items please visit: www.prixpictet.com