Two of Europe’s most celebrated artists, French conceptual artist Sophie Calle and Portuguese singer Maria João Pires, have been honored with the prestigious Praemium Imperiale awards, Japan’s highest international art accolades. The 35th annual celebration of the arts recognized five artists across various disciplines, with Calle winning in the Painting category and João Pires being celebrated for her contributions to Music.
Joining them in this prestigious group are Colombian visual artist Doris Salcedo, awarded for her work in Sculpture; Taiwanese director Ang Lee, recognized in the Theatre/Film category; and Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, honored for his achievements in Architecture.
The Praemium Imperiale, an international art prize bestowed by Japan’s Imperial family on behalf of the Japan Art Association, holds a significant place in the global art world. Established by Emperor Shōwa in 1987 in memory of his younger brother Prince Takamatsu, the annual awards are presented by Prince Hitachi, the President of the Japan Art Association, in a ceremony held at Meiji Kinenkan in Tokyo.
This year’s laureates join a distinguished roster of previous winners, including renowned names such as Yayoi Kusama, Anish Kapoor, Norman Foster, Philip Glass, and Jean-Luc Godard. Each winner receives a gold medal and a cash prize of 15 million Japanese Yen (€96,000). An additional 5 million Yen (€32,000) has been awarded as part of a Grant for Young Artists, this year going to the Komunitas Salihara Arts Center in Jakarta, Indonesia’s first private cultural complex dedicated to promoting communal artistic expression.
Sophie Calle, a 70-year-old artist known for her conceptual approach, has previously represented France at the 2007 Venice Biennale and received the Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of France in 2012. Her work, introduced to the art world through the bold ‘The Sleepers’ in 1979, has explored the interplay between privacy and public exposure in a way that resonates with the digital age. Calle has consistently found innovative ways to engage with her audience, inviting them to be part of her artistic journey.
Maria João Pires, an 80-year-old singer, has earned recognition for her unwavering dedication to engaging communities and education throughout her career. Alongside acclaimed international recitals, she established the Belgais Centre for the Study of the Arts in Portugal in 1999, dedicated to nurturing the musical talents of children and adults from rural backgrounds. This commitment to fostering artistic participation has extended to similar projects in Belgium, where she created the Partitura choirs and workshops.
Colombian artist Doris Salcedo, at 65, has consistently addressed the profound impact of the Colombian civil war in her work. From her groundbreaking piece ‘Shibboleth’, which created a striking crack in the floor of the London Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall in 2007, to her 2018 work ‘Fragmentos’, which melted down 37 tons of weapons to create a poignant commentary on violence, Salcedo’s art has explored themes of violence, memory, and pain through ordinary objects.
Shigeru Ban, a 67-year-old Japanese architect, is celebrated for his innovative public buildings, including the Centre Pompidou-Metz, La seine musicale, and Swatch Omega, as well as his unwavering dedication to charitable work. Ban has been a beacon of humanitarianism, building shelters for Rwandan refugees and temporary housing for victims of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995. His commitment to providing relief for refugees and disaster victims led him to found the Voluntary Architects’ Network, which continues to offer support to those in need around the world.
Finally, Ang Lee, a 69-year-old Taiwanese director, has established a reputation for his diverse filmography, spanning Asian cinema and Hollywood. His work, from his international breakthrough to his compelling queer Western drama, has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Oscar for Best Director and both Venice’s Golden Lion and Berlin’s Golden Bear. Lee’s contributions to cinema continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
