Dubai: Five artists have been chosen as the winners of the third edition of the Abraaj Capital Art Prize from among a record number of submissions.
Artists from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (Menasa) were in the audience as the winners were announced at a press conference held at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
Abraaj Capital, the world's most generous art prize with its unrivalled annual endowment of $1 million (Dh3.67 million), is awarded annually on the basis of a proposal for an art project submitted earlier in the year.
Nurturing potential
Addressing the gathering, Frederic Sicre, Executive Director of Abraaj Capital, said: "Heading into its third year, the Abraaj Capital Art Prize is proving itself as the benchmark for artistic excellence in the Menasa [region], continuing to nurture talents and empower potential from this dynamic and diverse region. Through the prize, Abraaj Capital demonstrates its unwavering commitment as a patron of the arts by providing a platform for young artists to develop their practice in new directions and showcase their work to the global arts community."
Iraqi Jananne Al Ani and Tunisian Nadia Kaabi-Linke have received the top two prizes respectively. For the first time, this year there are winners from South Asia, namely Hamra Abbas and Shezad Dawood. The fifth winner is Iranian, Timo Nasseri.
Kaabi-Linke told Gulf News: "Dubai is the hub of art and artists and I'm tremendously happy to win such an important prize, which will definitely add a lot to my art resume. I highly appreciate the scene of art and culture that Dubai generously pays attention to and allows others to take part and success."
Abbas, from Pakistan, said: "Undoubtedly, it is a great opportunity, and I'm glad to take part in such a valuable event, and I look forward to see my artworks displayed at the prestigious Art Dubai next year."
All the winners are represented by famous galleries and boast splendid records at exhibitions held internationally and locally.
