In a distinguished ceremony held on December 11, 2024, at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, renowned Tunisian artist Nicène Kossentini was celebrated as the recipient of the Richard Mille Art Prize for the fourth edition of the Art Here exhibition. The occasion was graced by the presence of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, a former advisor to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with several esteemed figures from the art world. Kossentini’s compelling work, titled “Landscapes,” secured her a significant cash prize of ,000 and a prominent place in a prestigious exhibition that showcases contemporary art from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and North Africa.
Kossentini’s “Landscapes” encompasses a series of five video installations that delve into themes of absence and transience, drawing attention to the desolate landscapes found in central and southern Tunisia. Utilizing an innovative interdisciplinary approach, Kossentini prompts audiences to confront their understanding of both physical spaces and emotional landscapes. As the visual narrative unfolds, each scene gradually becomes ensconced in a layer of wax, a powerful metaphor for the gradual erasure and fading memory of the places depicted. The artist’s work compels viewers to reflect on the impermanence of existence, urging a shift from passive observation to a more active engagement with the fleeting nature of time and enduring memories.
Kossentini was selected from a pool of talented artists by a jury composed of distinguished figures led by Sheikh Zayed. The jury’s members included Dr. Guilhem André, the Director of Scientific Curatorial and Collection Management at the Louvre Abu Dhabi; Simon Njami, guest curator for Art Here 2024; Nujoom Alghanem, an award-winning Emirati poet, artist, and filmmaker; and Maya Allison, the founding director of the Art Gallery and Chief Curator at New York University Abu Dhabi. Their collective expertise rendered a thoughtful deliberation on the diverse proposals they received for this year’s theme—“Awakenings.”
The theme itself encouraged artists to explore notions of awakening, openings, and horizons across cultural and artistic divides. This multi-dimensional approach resonates deeply with the evolving dialogue around heritage, environment, and culture within the region. Manuel Rabaté, the Director of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, reflected on the significance of the Art Here exhibition and its role in cultivating contemporary art in the region. “With each edition of Art Here, we witness the growth and evolution of contemporary art in the region,” he noted, acknowledging the exceptional quality of the submissions. The collaboration with Richard Mille allows for a rich platform to celebrate and elevate artistic innovation.
Simon Njami elaborated on the difficulty of achieving consensus within the selection panel, highlighting the extraordinary caliber of the shortlisted artists’ works. He commented on Kossentini’s ability to navigate complex themes with both subtlety and depth, ultimately framing her work as a poignant exploration of the multifaceted interpretations of “awakenings.”
The exhibition features an impressive array of artistic mediums, from sculptures to multimedia installations, each contributing to a vibrant tapestry that reflects contemporary discourse. Featured alongside Kossentini’s “Landscapes” are notable works such as “Tilling the Soil” by Férielle Doulain-Zouari, “Debutante Ball” by Lamya Gargash, “The Brides of the Sky” by Moataz Nasr, and “Shared Motion” by Sarah Almehairi. These diverse contributions collectively illustrate a narrative rooted in the GCC and North African artistic experience.
As the exhibition continues until December 15, 2024, it stands as a vital testament to the rich cultural landscape of the region, providing both emerging and established artists with the opportunity to engage a global audience. The anticipation for the fifth edition of the Richard Mille Art Prize and the subsequent Art Here exhibition, set to be revealed in 2025, promises to further enrich the artistic dialogue within this vibrant cultural hub.
In conclusion, Nicène Kossentini’s recognition through the Richard Mille Art Prize not only rewards individual artistic merit but also enhances the collective appreciation for the evolving narrative of contemporary art in the Middle East. As the Louvre Abu Dhabi continues to nurture this dialogue, it cements its role as a pivotal institution in the global art arena.
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