The BMW Group and the MdbK have been presenting the BMW Photo Award Leipzig since 2024. Every two years, the prize supports artists who either have a personal connection to Leipzig and the surrounding region or whose artistic work engages with the city and its surroundings. The three artists’ works are presented in a joint exhibition.
VIKTORIA BINSCHTOK
Viktoria Binschtok (b. 1972, Moscow, Russia) grew up in Minden, Westphalia, and studied photography from 1995 to 2002 at the Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig (HGB) under Timm Rautert. From 2002 to 2005, she completed her master’s degree under Rautert. In 2021, she directed the photography class at the Academy of Arts in Nuremberg, and in 2025 she taught at the Offenbach University of Art and Design. Viktoria Binschtok lives and works in Berlin.
HARALD KIRSCHNER
Harald Kirschner (b. 1944, Reichenberg (Liberec, Czech Republic)) grew up in Altentreptow, completed a photography apprenticeship in Loitz from 1963 to 1965, and studied photography at the Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig (HGB) from 1968 to 1973. From 1973 to 1981 he was a lecturer at the HGB; since then he's been working as a freelance photographer. Harald Kirschner lives and works in Leipzig.
JAY RITCHIE
Jay Ritchie (b. 1992, Hanover) studied at the Ostkreuz School of Photography and Design in Berlin between 2013 and 2016, before studying photography at the Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig (HGB) under Tina Bara; from 2020 to 2022, Ritchie completed his master’s degree at the HGB under Tina Bara. Jay Ritchie lives and works in Berlin.
The award ceremony will take place during the exhibition opening on 10 June 2026 at 6 pm.
