In the public imagination, the rugged heights of Kabylia—a mountainous region in northern Algeria—have come to embody a timeless defiance against imperial domination, colonization, and pervasive terror. It is as if the iron-laden earth itself has imbued its people with an unyielding spirit and resolve.
Born in Geneva in 1977 to Kabyle heritage, Karim Kal embarks on a journey that is less about personal memoirs than it is a continuation of a two-decade-long exploration into spaces molded by political power—from prisons and hospitals to the overlooked suburbs. Drawing inspiration from the abstract painting movements of the late 20th century, Kal has forged a distinct visual language. Working predominantly at night, he wields a powerful flashlight as both tool and brush, selectively revealing fragments of reality while allowing the rest to recede into darkness. In an era dominated by information overload, his work intentionally pares down the scene to its essentials, offering a critical yet lyrical austerity that redefines the very essence of documentary photography.
Curated by Clément Chéroux and supported by the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson, this exhibition is made possible through the patronage of the Fondation d’entreprise Hermès. As the 13th recipient of the Prix HCB—awarded in 2023 by a panel of six cultural and photographic experts—Karim Kal receives a creative grant of 35,000 euros. Presented biennially by the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson, the HCB Award enables a photographer to undertake or further develop an ambitious project, culminating in both an exhibition at the Fondation and a dedicated publication.