The Singulart Prize 2025 is approaching and excitement is growing for this year’s theme: Deeply Human. As technology continues to shape our experience of art, being profoundly human with all of our emotions, connections and stories has never been more important. Marine Mérindol, Chief Operating Officer at Magnum Photos, will be part of the jury panel at this exploration, bringing her knowledge of the art world to the forefront. Marine is renowned for her commitment to keeping Magnum’s heritage alive, while supporting innovation, and for her insights into art, photography and what it takes to represent the human experience truthfully.
With applications still open for the prize until January 14th, 2025, Marine opens up about her vision for the prize, advice for artists and what she sees as the ‘Deeply Human’ theme. The Singulart team hopes that her perspective will inspire you no matter if you’re an emerging artist, a professional, an experienced collector or just an art connoisseur.
Can you introduce yourself, share your background, and explain your role at Magnum Photos?
I am Marine Mérindol, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Magnum Photos, one of the most prestigious photographic cooperatives in the world. Over the past fifteen years, I have worked in strategic roles in the fields of art, culture and international development in Europe, Asia and the United States.
Working at Magnum, I keep the organization’s global strategy on track by forging connections between the creative ambitions and the business goals. I manage operations, partnerships, and I lead teams all over the world to grow and innovate the organization. I aim to keep Magnum’s amazing heritage while modernizing its approach to cater to modern problems.
Magnum Photos is a global icon in the field of photography. What is the story behind this legendary organization, and how does it continue to embody excellence today?
Magnum Photos is an independent photographic cooperative founded in 1947 by Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, George Rodger, and David Seymour, which put copyright protection and freedom of expression at the very centre of its model. It is still today a global benchmark of its commitment to document humanity with authenticity and excellence. Yet we continue to innovate in line with our core values. The Magnum Photos collective, though it is a unique cooperative, is still led by the photographer members. We help curate their archives, execute new commissions and a range of creative and commercial partnerships, including documentaries, editorial work and cultural projects.
Magnum Photos collaborates with some of the most exceptional photographers and artists. What sets these artists apart, and what do you personally find most captivating about their work?
Magnum doesn’t just collaborate with photographers: Magnum is the photographers. They still occupy the agency and infuse each project with a special character. In this manner, each member presents a personal voice, and a profoundly human perspective on the world, each bringing a piece of History.
At the same time, we are a news agency, a cultural, educational and commercial institution, and a gallery. It is all of these things combined with the ability to create projects that blend these various dimensions because of our passionate staff – Magnum.
Their work has such unmatchable power and inspiration because of the constant dialogue between art and society. Almost 16 years at Magnum has convinced me that no other agency can offer this kind of diversity of perspectives and this richness of quality on its projects.
For emerging photographers and artists, what essential advice would you give to help their work stand out?
Do not hesitate to ask for advice! You can’t become an artist alone, and joining an agency might not be the best way for everyone, but it’s an option. So it’s important to know what your strengths are and what your weaknesses are, to show your work, and to show it to other people. Workshops, competitions, exhibitions at festivals, as well as festivals as such, are also excellent ways to advance, exchange ideas, and gain visibility. I am a big believer in the power of collaboration.
The Singulart Prize 2025 celebrates the theme “Deeply Human”, which explores emotions and connections. What motivated you to join the jury this year, and how does this theme resonate with your own sensibility?
It is with great pleasure that I am a jury member of the Singulart Prize 2025. The theme ‘Deeply Human’ captures the very heart of photography, especially in our technology-driven era where images often sacrifice genuine human depth. Therefore, I am eager to hear how artists interpret this theme across various visual arts.
What essential advice would you give to artists applying for the Singulart Prize 2025 to touch and impress the jury with their work?
I believe a work is always more impactful when it tells a story. Whether it is the story the artist shares or one that we interpret for ourselves, the key lies in the sensitivity it conveys and how it touches us.
Marine reminds us that the power of art is in its storytelling, which connects with our shared humanity. This year’s competition is all about her dedication to creating authentic, emotionally rich visual narratives. If you’re an artist eager to share your work and explore the depths of human experience, remember: the Singulart Prize 2025 is a chance to connect, speak and inspire through your art. Finally, it is an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate what we are truly about- art.
