Evidence / Diana Matar

Diana Matar is a photographer based in London. Her work, which often incorporates testimony, archive or text, investigates issues of immigration, representation, urban development, and political disappearance

Evidence is the accumulation of six years work on political disappearance by the photographer Diana Matar. Years ago the artist's father in law, a Libyan opposition leader, was disappeared by the Gaddafi regime. The first third of the book is a meditation on absence told through photographs and excerpts of letters written by the artist to her missing father in law, Jaballa. Slowly the book begins to change as it is made clear that Jaballa's actions have implications on her own life and family's safety. As she travels through London, Libya, Italy and California, the images and diary entries take one on a journey through contemporary history. Crafted as an homage to one man, the book shows the cruel effects of dictatorship on intimate relationships and family life.

Deutsche Bank Pyramid Award, Arts Council England