Otobong Nkanga, the Nigerian-Belgian artist known for her thought-provoking sculptures addressing the global extraction of natural resources, has been awarded the prestigious Nasher Prize for Sculpture. Along with the cash award of $100,000, Nkanga will become a laureate at the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, where she will receive curatorial support for public programming, an exhibition, and a published monograph. Nkanga’s work has gained recognition for its exploration of minerals and resource exploitation, and she has exhibited extensively in Europe. The museum exhibition at Nasher Sculpture Center will be a significant opportunity for Nkanga to showcase her work to American audiences and further her artistic visions of repair, connection, and love for the natural world.
Nigerian-Belgian artist Otobong Nkanga wins the Nasher Prize for Sculpture
Otobong Nkanga, a Nigerian-Belgian artist known for her unconventional approach to sculpture, has been awarded the prestigious Nasher Prize for Sculpture. The prize, which includes a cash award of $100,000, is considered one of the top honors in the art world. In addition to the cash award, Nkanga will also become a laureate at the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, where she will have the opportunity to showcase her work through public programming, an exhibition, and a published monograph.
“I wasn’t expecting this, but I am extremely honored,” said Nkanga, who currently resides in Antwerp, Belgium. This recognition will provide the artist with a platform to reintroduce herself to American audiences. Her last solo exhibition in the United States was in 2018 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, where she showcased soap sculptures, large paintings, and woven tapestries. Nkanga has also made a name for herself in the European museum circuit, with six major exhibitions in the last two years, including participation in the Venice Biennale and Documenta 14.
Otobong Nkanga’s unconventional approach to sculpture
Nkanga’s sculptures often tackle the complex issue of mineral extraction and the depletion of natural resources. Her work pushes the boundaries of traditional sculpture, incorporating elements such as singing to copper mines in Namibia and balancing potted plants on people’s heads in Switzerland. Her 2018 exhibition in Chicago featured soap sculptures, large paintings, and woven tapestries, showcasing her versatility and unique perspective.
Her presence in the European museum circuit, including her inclusion in prestigious events such as the Venice Biennale and Documenta 14, further solidifies her reputation as an innovative and groundbreaking artist.
The selection process for the Nasher Prize
The Nasher Prize is a highly competitive award, with over 160 nominees considered for the honor. A panel of nine jurors is responsible for making the final selection. The jury includes prominent figures in the art world, such as Nairy Baghramian, who won the Nasher Prize in 2022, and Lynne Cooke, a senior curator at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.
Jeremy Strick, director of the Nasher Sculpture Center, discusses the jury’s decision and highlights the significance of Nkanga’s work. He emphasizes how her sculptures connect various aspects of our lives, including their historical, sociological, economic, cultural, and spiritual dimensions.
Changes to the Nasher Prize schedule
This year, the Nasher Prize schedule underwent changes, with the award now being given biannually instead of annually. This decision aims to enhance the experience for the winners, allowing them more time to plan their exhibitions and publications. While this change may result in some financial loss for the organization, it allows for a more comprehensive and impactful celebration of the laureates.
Strick emphasizes the importance of the programmatic aspect of the Nasher Prize, stating that it is what distinguishes the award from others in the art world. The financial value of the prize is appreciated by the artists, but the opportunity to showcase their work through exhibitions and publications is what truly sets the Nasher Prize apart.
Otobong Nkanga’s vision for her sculptures
Nkanga’s goal with her sculptures is to inspire others to reconsider their relationship with the natural world. She hopes that her work will encourage a younger generation to think about our planet and find ways to repair, connect, and foster love for it. Nkanga’s unconventional approach invites viewers to engage with the issues of natural resource extraction and restoration in a profound and personal way.
Correction regarding previous Nasher Prize winner
A correction was made regarding the previous winner of the Nasher Prize. Nairy Baghramian was the recipient of the award in 2022, not 2012, as previously stated.
About the Author: Zachary Small
Zachary Small, a reporter who specializes in covering power dynamics and privilege within the art world, provides comprehensive coverage of Otobong Nkanga winning the Nasher Prize. Small has been reporting on the art industry since 2019, focusing on issues such as equity, diversity, and systemic biases within the field.
Conclusion
Otobong Nkanga’s recognition as the recipient of the Nasher Prize for Sculpture is a testament to her innovative and thought-provoking approach to the medium. Her sculptures challenge traditional notions and engage viewers in conversations around natural resource extraction and environmental preservation. The Nasher Prize recognizes the significance of Nkanga’s work and provides her with a platform to further inspire others to rethink their relationship with the natural world.
