35th Praemium​ Imperiale: Celebrating ⁣Excellence in Art

The Japan Art Association has announced the winners of the 35th Praemium Imperiale, the⁢ most​ prestigious art⁤ award in existence. For the first time, three of the five‍ winners⁢ are women: French photographer Sophie Calle for painting,⁣ Colombian Doris Salcedo for sculpture, and Portuguese pianist Maria João Pires for music.

President Lamberto Dini highlighted the⁣ significance ⁣of this achievement, stating that the winners were recognized for their outstanding contributions ‌to the international art world and their impact on ⁤the global community through​ their works. The other‌ two winners ‍are Japanese architect ⁤Shigeru Ban for architecture and director Ang Lee for theatre and film.

The winners will receive a prize⁣ of‍ 15 million yen (approximately 90,000 euros), a certificate, and a medal, awarded by Prince Hitachi, Honorary Patron of the Japan Art Association, at a ceremony in Tokyo. According to President Dini, the common thread among the winners is ⁢their ability to express their perception and feelings of humanity’s challenges through their art, showcasing their concern for the vulnerable, the humble, and the victims.

Giulio Paolini, the 2022 laureate, emphasized the importance of female artists among ⁤the winners, stating that women dominate in spiritual and intellectual terms. He also highlighted the themes of the award, which include beauty, creativity, and inspiration, as the​ essence of art.

In⁢ addition to the main award, ‍the Praemium Imperiale 2024 Young Artist Scholarship was awarded to‍ the Komunitas Salihara Art Center‌ in Jakarta, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the⁤ art world.

Meet‌ the Winners

• Sophie Calle ‍(Painting): ⁣French photographer and ⁣artist known for her thought-provoking works ⁤that explore the human condition.
• Doris Salcedo (Sculpture): Colombian sculptor and artist recognized for her powerful and emotive works that address social and ‌political ⁢issues.
• Maria João Pires ⁢(Music): Portuguese ⁤pianist and artist celebrated for her exceptional talent and contributions to the world of music.
• Shigeru Ban (Architecture): ⁢Japanese⁤ architect and artist known for his innovative and sustainable designs that have transformed ​the‍ built environment.
• Ang Lee (Theatre and Film): Taiwanese-American⁢ director⁣ and‌ artist recognized for his groundbreaking works in film and theatre that have ⁤captivated audiences worldwide.