Iraqi artist Rand Abdul Jabbar was awarded the second Richard Mille Art Prize during a gala dinner in her honor held on March 20. The celebration honored the sculpture and installation artist whose work was on display at the Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here Exhibition, and it was held in an unexpected spot against the breathtaking skyline of Abu Dhabi.
The theme of the second Richard Mille Art Prize was Icon. Iconic., which brought together esteemed professionals, experts, and artists to celebrate the best in talent and creativity. In attendance were 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, among others.
Along with the other ten selected artists, Rand Abdul Jabbar displayed her piece Earthly Wonders, Celestial Beings (2019 - ongoing) in the Art Here 2022 exhibition. Her creative work explores the themes of place, history, and memory while questioning the significance of tangible heritage. Her investigation into these subjects, along with her earlier work, has been displayed in numerous exhibitions and art venues around the globe.
The prize, which was worth USD 60,000, was awarded by 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. Peter Harrison commended Rand Abdul Jabbar's exceptional artistic creations, which explore the year's subject of Icon. Iconic. while pushing the edge of modern innovation.
The Richard Mille Art Prize strengthens the relationship between the watchmaking brand and the art world, paving the way for the next wave of Middle Eastern contemporary artists, both regionally and globally.
On March 30, 2023, open applications for the third Richard Mille Art Prize will start. This edition's subject is Transparency. Keep a watch on the Richard Mille and Louvre Abu Dhabi websites if you're interested in registering.
