Dave Jordano wins $50,000 Aimia/AGO Photography Prize

TORONTO – Dave Jordano, who’s known for his photographic series on his hometown of Detroit, has won this year’s $50,000 Aimia/AGO Photography Prize.

The Chicago-based artist took the prize at the Art Gallery of Ontario on Tuesday.

Jordano has been working as a commercial photographer since 1977.

His “Detroit – Unbroken Down” photographic series documents the hope and perseverance of those who have stuck around Detroit despite its struggles.

The winner of the prize, which also comes with a six-week, fully funded residency in Canada, is selected entirely by public vote.

Runners-up included Owen Kydd of Calgary and two German artists, Annette Kelm and Hito Steyerl. They will each receive a six-week residency in 2016 and $5,000.

The prize honours photographers from around the world “whose work has exhibited extraordinary potential over the preceding five years.”