Franco-Algerian artist Islem Haouati, based in Paris, has been awarded the first-ever Ecla Artists in Residence Prize by UXCO Group and MyFUJIFILM France. The prestigious award recognizes emerging talent in contemporary photography and provides a unique opportunity for artistic development and creative expression.
The prize competition was launched in June 2025 by UXCO Group and MyFUJIFILM as part of their initiative to support young contemporary photography creators. The award includes a residency stay of one to two months at any of the three Ecla residences located in the Île-de-France region. This residency program gives the winning artist the opportunity to create and share their artistic vision within the inspiring environment of the Ecla residences.
Islem Haouati was born in Blida, Algeria, and graduated from the European Higher School of Art in Brittany. His artistic practice encompasses multiple mediums, including photography, video, installation, and drawing. His work focuses on giving voice to silences and revealing the discrete beauty found in everyday existence, creating a distinctive artistic language that bridges cultures and experiences.
The artist has several major projects planned for 2025. He will present his exhibition "De toutes les luttes" (Of All Struggles) at the Mamia Bretesché Gallery in Arles, France. Additionally, Haouati will participate in an international festival in Brazil, further expanding his global artistic presence and cultural exchange opportunities.
The works created during his residency at Ecla will be showcased starting in 2026, with exhibitions planned at Ecla Geneva Archamps and other venues. The residency works will also be published in a unique book accompanied by a text written by Norbert Hillaire, a renowned art and media theorist. This publication will provide critical context and analysis of Haouati's artistic development during the residency period.
UXCO Group expressed their enthusiasm about providing young creators with the opportunity to elevate the Ecla residences and reveal their soul through art. The company congratulated Islem Haouati on his achievement and invited the public to discover his creations in 2026. In the meantime, art enthusiasts can explore his current photographic work through his Instagram account to get a preview of his artistic vision and style.
