Noa Hagemann, Germany
Noa Hagemann was born in 2016. He lives with his parents and his sister in Hanover.
It was in a zoo, and Lani, Noa’s five-year-old sister, stood like a little fairy-tale figure amongst the trees, gently enveloped in wisps of mist. Noa, who had just turned eigh, photographed her spontaneously. This is worth mentioning, as it is not uncommon for the boy to position and direct his sister for a picture. He adores her. And he has loved photography ever since his parents in South Africa put a camera in his hands when he was not even three years old – and one of his pictures was published in FAZ Magazine. An unusually early start. Though Noa’s parents are likely not entirely blameless in this: they are both professional photographers.
Noa always takes an old camera with him, especially on trips and outings, as his sister now does too. And the boy developed a desire to take part in a competition one day; he photographed diligently for that purpose. He has now achieved that – and with resounding success. And what about the other interests of the boy, now nine years old? “Football, football, football, handball, table tennis,” he says. And when asked about his initial thoughts on a future career, he also mentions football, but also “scientist”. Or: “Photographer”.
His mother describes the relationship between the siblings as a very lovely one, helpful for both of them, close-knit. Peaceful, in other words. What does peace mean to Noa? “That everyone is happy,” he says, “that no one is arguing and there is no war in the world.”
Noa was really looking forward to the award ceremony – he had to wait a while, after all – and today he has travelled here from northern Germany with his parents, where we warmly welcome him and congratulate him.
(Laudatio by Peter-Matthias Gaede)