Post by : Bianca
Haleem
In a landmark event in Nikko, Japan, the Louvre Abu Dhabi revealed Ryoichi Kurokawa as the winner of the prestigious Richard Mille Art Prize. His captivating piece, skadw-, was chosen from a shortlist displayed at the Art Here 2025 exhibition, accompanied by a cash prize of US $60,000.
Exploring the Interplay of Shadows
Ryoichi's remarkable artwork, skadw-, delves into the concept of "Shadows." Rather than viewing shadows merely as products of light, he reimagines them as vital aspects that influence human perception of space.
The installation incorporates:
A narrow ray of light filters through the mist, forming ephemeral shapes that challenge viewers' perceptions of reality. This immersive environment promotes tranquility and invites guests to contemplate silence, voids, and stillness.
Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Ma, which appreciates the spaces between elements, Ryoichi crafted an atmosphere where absence holds significance, and shadows appear almost tangible.
Praise from Louvre Abu Dhabi
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, commended Ryoichi for his innovative approach and emotional resonance. He remarked on the high quality of this year’s submissions and their engagement with the audience.
Rabaté also highlighted the meaningful collaboration with Richard Mille, which nurtures talented contemporary artists and fosters innovative ideas in the art sphere.
Recognition by Richard Mille
Tilly Harrison, Managing Director of Richard Mille Middle East, noted that skadw- provides a profound reflection on the theme of Shadows. She emphasized its ability to combine Japanese artistic heritage with universal narratives, aligning with the Prize's cultural aspirations.
A Distinguished Panel of Judges
A highly esteemed jury selected the winner, including:
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His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan – Chairman of Alliances for Global Sustainability, art collector, and British Museum board member.
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Dr Guilhem André – Director of Scientific, Curatorial, and Collection Management at Louvre Abu Dhabi.
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Maya Allison – Executive Director of the Art Gallery at NYU Abu Dhabi.
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Sophie Mayuko Arni – Exhibition curator and founding editor of Global Art Daily.
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Yuko Hasegawa – Research Professor at Kyoto University, former Director of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
Members of the jury commended the creativity exhibited by shortlisted artists and the poignant cultural interpretations of shadows.
Insights from the Jury
Dr Guilhem André remarked on the diverse artistic explorations of shadows as materials, memories, and emotions. He acknowledged the richness of ideas presented by artists from the Gulf region and beyond.
Sophie Mayuko Arni stated that skadw- was notably popular among visitors of all ages and highlighted the increasing integration of technology in creating impactful artistic experiences.
Ryoichi's Reflections
Ryoichi expressed his gratitude for the recognition. He explained how his installation employs fog, sound, and light, inviting audiences to perceive shadows molding the environment. He aims for visitors to experience the essence of darkness and emptiness as nearly palpable, enhancing sensory awareness.
He extended his thanks to Louvre Abu Dhabi and Richard Mille for fostering a creative atmosphere conducive to artistic growth.
Significant Participation in the Prize
This year’s Art Here attracted over 400 submissions from:
The artists shortlisted for 2025 included:
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Ahmed Alaqra
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Jumairy
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Ryoichi Kurokawa
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Hamra Abbas
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Rintaro Fuse
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YOKOMAE et BOUAYAD (duo)
The selected works can be viewed at Louvre Abu Dhabi until December 28.
Highlighting Contemporary Art
Art Here has evolved into a key platform for showcasing contemporary art, fostering diverse mediums, styles, and viewpoints. This initiative promotes cultural exchange, connecting artists from the GCC, MENA, and Japan.
The partnership between Louvre Abu Dhabi and Richard Mille expresses a mutual commitment to promote artistic excellence and to inspire both emerging and established talents.
The Significance of the Award
The Richard Mille Art Prize plays a crucial role as it:
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Encourages innovation in contemporary art
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Highlights emerging cultural voices
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Facilitates cross-regional collaborations
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Brings visibility to artists engaged with new media and installations
This year’s focus on themes like shadows, absence, and perception has urged artists to explore innovative interpretations and deeper meanings.
The 2025 Richard Mille Art Prize commemorates an artwork that redefines shadows as experiential elements. Ryoichi Kurokawa’s skadw- transcends mere visuals, offering an immersive journey through light, sound, and fog that brings shadows to life. His perceptive application of cultural inspiration and artistic execution earned him the prestigious award along with a $60,000 prize.
This accolade strengthens cultural relations between the UAE, the GCC, and Japan, reinforcing Louvre Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a contemporary art hub on the global stage.
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