Richard Mille Announces Rand Abdul Jabbar As Art Prize 2022 Winner
The multimedia artist was awarded the prize during a gala dinner set at a surprise location against Abu Dhabi’s stunning skyline
Iraqi artist Rand Abdul Jabbar took home the second Richard Mille Art Prize last week at a special gala dinner in her honour. The event took place on March 20, commemorating the sculptor and installation artist whose work was showcased at the Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here Exhibition.
The second instalment of the Richard Mille Art Prize, following the theme of Icon. Iconic., further strengthened the relationship between the watchmaking brand and the art world, bringing esteemed professionals, experts and artists together for a night that celebrates the best in talent and creativity.
In attendance was the Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism HE Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani; Richard Mille EMEA’s CEO Peter Harrison, and Louvre Abu Dhabi’s director Manuel Rabaté, along with art patrons and the region’s leading collectors.
In the Art Here 2022 exhibition, Rand Abdul Jabbar showcased her project Earthly Wonders, Celestial Beings (2019 – ongoing) along with ten other shortlisted artists. The Baghdad-born creative combines the mediums of sculpture, design, and installation to construct a story of place, history, and memory while questioning the significance of tangible heritage. Her exploration of these themes, along with her previous work, has been exhibited in different art galleries and exhibitions across the world including Shubbak Festival in the UK, Biennale d’Architecture d’Orléans in France, and Warehouse 421 in the UAE.
A jury of five distinguished members including HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Morad Montazami, Hala Wardé, Dr. Souraya Noujaim, and Reem Fadda awarded her with a prize of USD 60,000.
Peter Harrison said, “Rand Abdul Jabbar delivered outstanding works of art that push the boundaries of contemporary creativity while exploring this year’s theme Icon. Iconic. Seeing the architectural masterpiece that is the Louvre Abu Dhabi from a near distance, it was a proud moment for our brand to award the winner of the second edition of the Richard Mille Art Prize. This is a celebration of our ten-year partnership with Louvre Abu Dhabi and ten incredible artists from the region, whose work was inspired by their cultural roots and heritage.” He concluded, “I am certain that Rand will join Nasser Alzayani, the winner of the first Art Prize, in paving the way for the next wave of Middle Eastern contemporary artists, both regionally and globally.”
“I am grateful to be recognized amongst a group of peers for whom I have deep respect and admiration,” said Rand Abdul Jabbar.
Open calls for the third edition of the Richard Mille Art Prize, which will follow the theme Transparency, will begin on March 30, 2023. Those interested in applying can keep an eye on the Richard Mille as well as the Louvre Abu Dhabi websites.
Images Supplied.