November 25, 2015
Nissan announces the Nissan Art Award 2015
Grand Prix Winner
YOKOHAMA (November 25, 2015) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the Grand Prix winner for the second Nissan Art Award, which recognizes exceptional work by Japanese artists. Seven finalists were selected by jury members in May and their respective works have been on display since November 14th at the Nissan Art Award 2015 Exhibition in Yokohama.
After a final round of jury deliberations on November 24, Nissan awarded the Grand Prix to Yuko Mohri. Mohri receives a trophy created by the product designer Keita Suzuki, along with prize money. In addition, the winner is given the opportunity to live and work in London for two months in the spring of 2016, in association with the Camden Arts Centre. By developing a network through an internationally renowned contemporary art center, the Nissan Art Award is designed to plant the seeds for the prizewinner's future activities.
In accepting the award, Mohri said: “I am very pleased that my ideas until now about what I should do as an artist were conveyed. London has a lively contemporary art scene and there are many places for artists to present their work. I hope this will offer opportunities for me to consider how I show my art."
Fumio Nanjo, Nissan Art Award 2015 Jury Chairman said: “All of the works had immense power and, as with the first screening, the judging process was incredibly difficult. While Grand Prix-winner Yuko Mohri's new work has its roots in an actual place in society—water leakage in train stations—she elevated this into an artwork with diverse media and content, such as references to Marcel Duchamp, time, and sound. In her work we can sense how the artist has moved into new frontiers."
The Audience Award was presented to Tsuyoshi Hisakado, who received the largest number of votes from visitors, from the start of the exhibition until November 23.
Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan Motor Co., said: “Nissan is proud to support the next generation of artistic leadership in our home country. We look forward to helping emerging talents develop their practices, express their passion, and inspire others with their creativity. And we hope others will join in our efforts to support the arts here in Japan."
The seven finalists' artwork will be on display at BankART Studio NYK in Yokohama until December 27. A talk by Grand Prix winner Yuko Mohri will be held on November 28, from 11:30-12:30.
Left: Mor Mor (Leaky): The Falling Water Given #1-3 by Grand Prix winner Yuko Mohri. (Photo: Keizo Kioku)
Right: (on the left) Audience Award winner Tsuyoshi Hisakado, (center) Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO, (on the right) Grand Prix winner Yuko Mohri. (Photo: Yukiko Koshima)
Nissan Art Award 2015 Winners & First Round Finalists
Grand Prix Yuko Mohri
Audience Award Tsuyoshi Hisakado