Five Artists Named as Winners of the Prestigious 2024 Praemium Imperiale Awards
The Japan Art Association has announced the winners of the 2024 Praemium Imperiale Awards, one of the most distinguished global honours in the arts. Often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of the Arts,” the awards were established in 1989 to celebrate lifetime achievement in Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Music, and Theatre/Film. With an honorarium of 15 million yen for each laureate, the awards have been presented annually under the patronage of HIH Prince Hitachi, the younger brother of the Emperor Emeritus of Japan, ensuring a direct connection to the Japanese Imperial Family.
The Praemium Imperiale stands out for its broad scope, recognising artists from a wide array of disciplines and nationalities, and has awarded many of the world’s most influential cultural figures of the 20th and 21st centuries. The criteria for selection focus on artists who have made significant international contributions to their field. The winners are chosen by a global network of advisors, who consult committees of experts to identify exceptional talents.
This year, six artists have been awarded:
- Sophie Calle (Painting)
A French conceptual artist, Calle is renowned for her unique explorations of human relationships, intimacy, and chance encounters. Her notable works include Les Dormeurs and Suite Vénitienne, where she follows strangers and documents their lives in intriguing ways. - Doris Salcedo (Sculpture)
Hailing from Colombia, Salcedo’s work delves deep into themes of violence, memory, and loss. Her piece Fragmentos used weapons from Colombia’s civil war to create a powerful statement on reconciliation and remembrance. - Shigeru Ban (Architecture)
A Japanese architect with a humanitarian focus, Ban has created innovative designs that aid disaster relief efforts, such as his paper tube shelters for refugees. He also designed the Pompidou Centre-Metz and many other notable structures worldwide. - Maria João Pires (Music)
This Portuguese pianist is celebrated for her expressive interpretations of classical music, as well as her commitment to education. Pires founded the Belgais Centre for the Study of the Arts and works to promote social inclusion through music. - Ang Lee (Theatre/Film)
The Taiwanese director has become a household name with films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Brokeback Mountain, and Life of Pi. His work is noted for its emotional depth and ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
Also, the grant was awarded to Salihara Arts Center (Grant for Young Artists).This Jakarta-based arts centre promotes interdisciplinary artistic endeavours, supporting emerging talent across various disciplines such as theatre, dance, and visual arts. The centre is recognised for its role in fostering young talent and innovation.
For more information about the Praemium Imperiale Awards, visit www.praemiumimperiale.org.
