Otobong Nkanga is the first recipient of the Lise Wilhelmsen art award from Henie Onstad Kunstsenter, just announced last evening in London.
The Lise Wilhelmsen Art Award Programme is a partnership between the Lise and Arne Wilhelmsen family and the Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. It was established in order to continue and honour Lise Wilhelmsen?s (1936?2019) commitment to the visual arts.
The Lise Wilhelmsen Art Award Programme presents 100,000 USD in prize money to a distinguished, mid-career artist whose work will inspire and motivate future generations to active participation and social responsibility.
In addition to the prize, there is an acquisition budget for the inclusion of the artist?s work in the Henie Onstad Kunstsenter collection, and the winner will feature in a dedicated exhibition at the museum the following year. Presented every two years, the award, acquisition and exhibition are intended to mark a significant milestone in an artist's career and represent a financial commitment that places the programme among the most significant art awards internationally.
On winning the award, Otobong Nkanga said: ?I am truly honoured to be the inaugural recipient of the Lise Wilhelmsen Award and to exhibit next year in the Henie Onstad Kunstsenter. The Award will enable me to work further on developing ideas, pursue dreams and have the time to reflect on topics that are inspiring me.?
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