The prestigious W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic Photography has announced its annual recipient, shining a spotlight on emerging visual storytellers who capture profound human experiences through compelling imagery.

A Window into Palestinian Experience

Maen Hammond, a Palestinian-American photographer, has been awarded the substantial $67,500 grant for his deeply personal project Amira’s Castle. The project represents an intimate exploration of generational Palestinian narrative, blending family history with contemporary documentation.

Hammond’s work stands out for its nuanced approach to cultural storytelling, using photography as a medium to bridge personal memory and broader societal context. By documenting his grandparents’ lives and contemporary Palestinian experiences, he creates a powerful visual dialogue about identity, displacement, and cultural continuity.

Grant’s Historical Significance

The W. Eugene Smith Grant, renowned in photographic circles, has a long-standing tradition of supporting documentary photographers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to humanistic visual storytelling. This year’s selection continues the grant’s legacy of amplifying voices that might otherwise remain unheard.

Hammond’s selection represents not just personal artistic achievement, but a broader recognition of Palestinian narrative photography in the international visual arts community.