The Sobey Art Award recognizes visual artists whose “work reflects and speaks to our contemporary times on a national and global scale.” It comes with a $100,000 scholarship.
In a press release issued Saturday evening, the organization said Mr. Williams “has a multidisciplinary and often collaborative practice that centers on sculptural beadwork.”
Jury chair Jonathan Shaughnessy, who is also director of curatorial initiatives at the National Gallery of Canada, said the jury felt challenged by the “undeniable energy and relevance” of the artist’s approach. Nico Williams.
“His impeccably precise works transform everyday objects into spectacular objects and integrate personal experiences into stories that reach a wide audience,” said Mr. Shaughnessy. Working with and through the community, Williams challenges the persistence of colonial legacies by bringing collective memory and shared nostalgia to the surface through his artistic practice.
Mr. Williams was pleased with the jury’s decision. “It is with immense gratitude that I receive the 2024 Sobey Award. Ten years ago, Nadia Myre, one of the most influential models, received this award. I want to convey the same message to all young people: we will get there! I am also extremely grateful to everyone who has supported my practice from the very beginning! Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today! Chi-miigwech! “, he commented.
The other finalists — Taqralik Partridge, Judy Chartrand, Rhayne Vermette, June Clark, and Mathieu Léger — will each receive $25,000.
The organizing committee specified that the jury was made up of six Canadian artists, all former finalists or winners of the Sobey Arts Award.
The 2024 Sobey Prize exhibition is underway at the National Gallery of Canada. It will continue until April 6.
Canada
