Matías Costa, a photographer, curator, and writer, has been honoured with the XVII national photography award 'Piedad Isla 2026' for his professional engagement with social issues, memory, and territory. Costa is a lecturer for the PHotoESPAÑA Master’s programme and a visiting professor at the Photography Classroom of the General Foundation of the University of Alcalá, where he directs the photographic projects course 'La Olla'.
The jury, led by Claudio de la Cal, praised Costa for his dedication to social issues, memory, and territory, as well as his ongoing search for new narratives in exhibition spaces and photo books. “His commitment to photography also encompasses curation and teaching,” de la Cal noted.
This award, organised by the Diputación de Palencia, comes with a €6,000 prize and commemorates the legacy of Piedad Isla, an ethnographer and trailblazer in Spanish photography, who was born in Cervera de Pisuerga in 1926. The 17th anniversary of her passing will be observed on 6 November.
Angeles Armisén, the president of the Diputación, personally informed Costa of the award, which he received with great excitement and gratitude. Born in Buenos Aires in 1973 and now based in Madrid, Costa has been recognised for his significant contributions to the field of photography.
The jury's assessment highlighted that the award specifically acknowledges an artist who, in the words of last year's winner Claudio de la Cal, “is involved in social issues, memory, and territory, constantly seeking new narratives for exhibition spaces and photo books. His commitment to photography is complemented by his work in curation and education.”
With an extensive curriculum, Costa has published monographic books and exhibited at prestigious institutions such as the Museo Reina Sofía. He has received accolades including the World Press Photo award and has curated exhibitions at various festivals and cultural centres.
