Murata Shin | Art Walk 12: From 'Art Prize' to 'Art Award'
Summary
The article discusses the increasing prevalence of 'Art Awards' in Japan, noting a shift from traditional 'Art Prizes' to awards that emphasize the cultivation and support of artists capable of international success. Murata Shin reviews several major exhibitions, including the Tokyo Contemporary Art Award, TERRADA Art Award, VOCA, FACE, the Taro Award, and the Mori Art Award. The Tokyo Contemporary Art Award is highlighted for its comprehensive support system, including studio visits and overseas funding, while the TERRADA Art Award is noted for its genre-agnostic approach to discovering young talent. The VOCA and FACE exhibitions focus on two-dimensional works, with VOCA utilizing a recommendation system to discover regional artists. The Taro Award is described as unique for its acceptance of eccentric and unconventional works. Finally, the article reflects on the changing landscape of art awards, noting the increase in global orientation, the diversification of jurors, and the rising prize money, suggesting a need for more diverse award structures to discover a wider range of artists.
(Source:artscape)