About the photographer

Mieke Douglas is a Dutch-Canadian photographic artist based in London. Her work explores themes of intimacy and connection, known for its moody, painterly quality and surreal perspectives. Her atmospheric lighting and underlying sense of disquiet are central to her artistic vision.

Douglas’s latest project focuses on the town of Bajram Curri in northern Albania, where unemployment has led many to leave in search of better opportunities abroad. This series tells the story of those who remain behind—ordinary people struggling with poverty and an uncertain future. Through intimate street portraits, she captures the resilience of those left in the shadows of mass emigration, offering a poignant look at their lives and surroundings.

In the Photography Prize Exhibition, Douglas presents these portraits from Albania, using her signature lighting and moody atmosphere to evoke both the physical and emotional landscapes of those who have stayed. The images reflect a community left behind, embodying both the melancholy of loss and the enduring hope for a better future.

Douglas has received numerous international awards, including a 2023 Sony World Photography Award. Her work has been exhibited globally, including at the Royal Academy of Art in London. She has held solo exhibitions, such as STILL in London and Lost Society | Looking In Through Glass at the Head On Photo Festival in Sydney.