Former Lusófona University Student Wins the 2026 Novobanco Revelação Award

Laura Palma, a former student of the Bachelor's Degree in Photography at Lusófona University – Lisbon University Centre, has won the 18th edition of the 2026 Novobanco Revelação Award, one of Portugal's leading awards dedicated to contemporary photography. The Portuguese artist, born in Vila Franca de Xira in 1998, will present an unprecedented project at the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, which is scheduled to open on 17 November 2026.

Organised by Novobanco and the Serralves Foundation, the award recognises young photographers and also includes the publication of a book dedicated to the artist's work, to be added to the initiative's associated editorial collection.

This distinction is also a source of pride for Lusófona University, where the artist studied, as well as for the teaching staff of Fo:rCE – Photography: Reflection, Creation and Education.

Laura Palma's work, consisting mainly of portraits of her circle of friends, explores issues related to identity and individual representation.

According to the jury, the images go beyond representing others and also approach self-portraiture: by photographing those around her, the artist discovers different ways of representing herself. The work thus challenges the idea of a unique and stable personality.

The winner was selected by the artistic direction of the Serralves Museum, based on proposals submitted by a nomination committee. The criteria considered included the originality of the artistic approach, the coherence of the ideas developed and their relevance in today's cultural and social context.

Through this distinction, the Novobanco Revelação Award reinforces its commitment to promoting new talent in contemporary photography, providing the selected artists with opportunities to develop their work and raise its profile.