Louvre Abu Dhabi Names Nicène Kossentini As Winner Of Richard Mille Art Prize 2024

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, a prominent art patron, attended the announcement of Nicène Kossentini as the winner of the fourth Richard Mille Art Prize. The event took place at Louvre Abu Dhabi on 11 December 2024. Kossentini, a Tunisian artist, received US$60,000 for her work "Landscapes," showcased in the Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2024 exhibition.

Kossentini's interdisciplinary approach challenges perceptions of time and transience. Her piece "Landscapes" features five video works depicting barren Tunisian landscapes. These images gradually freeze and fade under wax, symbolising erasure. This artwork invites viewers to reflect on the impermanence of physical and emotional spaces, encouraging active contemplation of time's fragility.

A distinguished jury selected Kossentini's work. Led by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the panel included Dr. Guilhem André from Louvre Abu Dhabi, Simon Njami as guest curator, Emirati poet Nujoom Alghanem, and Maya Allison from New York University Abu Dhabi. Their decision highlighted Kossentini's profound response to this year's theme.

Simon Njami noted the challenge in selecting a winner due to the high quality of submissions. He stated that Kossentini’s work addressed the theme with subtlety and impact. "Horizon," "Awakening," and "Ouverture" were explored poetically, earning unanimous jury approval. Njami expressed gratitude to all artists for their dedication.

The 2024 edition invited artists to explore "Awakenings," reflecting concepts in English, French, and Arabic: awakenings, ouvertures (openings), and آفاق (horizons). The exhibition under Louvre Abu Dhabi’s dome includes sculpture, multimedia, and installation art. It encourages artists to translate abstract ideas into tangible forms across various mediums.

Featured artworks include Férielle Doulain-Zouari's "Tilling the Soil," Lamya Gargash's "Debutante Ball," Moataz Nasr's "The Brides of the Sky," Nicène Kossentini's "Landscapes," and Sarah Almehairi's "Shared Motion." These pieces reflect evolving dialogues with heritage, environment, and culture in the region.

Future Prospects

Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2024 showcases contemporary works from GCC and North African artists until 15 December 2024. Manuel Rabaté praised this edition’s maturity and dynamism: "This year’s theme inspired profound depth and innovation." The partnership with Richard Mille provides a platform for exceptional regional artists.

The theme for the fifth edition of the Richard Mille Art Prize will be announced in 2025. This anticipated event continues to foster contemporary art growth and inspire global audiences through innovative exhibitions at Louvre Abu Dhabi.

With inputs from WAM