The Hammer Museum in Los Angeles has revealed the winners of its prestigious awards for the Made in L.A. biennial. Among the honorees, Ali Eyal has been awarded the Mohn Award, which includes a cash prize of $100,000 and a monograph highlighting his artistic contributions.
In addition to Eyal, Carl Cheng, an artist in his 80s, received the Career Achievement Award, which comes with $25,000. Greg Breda was honored with the Public Recognition Award, also valued at $25,000, following a public vote by exhibition attendees.
The selection jury featured notable figures such as Gean Moreno from the Institute of Contemporary Art in Miami, Margot Norton from the Berkeley Art Museum, and Daniela Lieja Quintanar from REDCAT in Los Angeles.
Ali Eyal, the youngest artist showcased in the exhibition, presented a striking 12-foot-wide painting titled And Look Where I Went (2025). Eyal, born in Baghdad in 1994, created this piece after visiting the 9/11 Memorial in New York City in 2024. The work depicts a chaotic scene filled with fear, destruction, and a vivid red-orange sky, reflecting his personal experiences with violence and displacement.
The jury praised Eyal's ability to convey the complexities of war and migration through his unique artistic perspective. They noted that his work serves as a powerful testament to resilience and emotional depth.
In addition to his participation in the 2025 Made in L.A. biennial, Eyal is also set to showcase his work at the upcoming 2026 Whitney Biennial. His impressive resume includes previous exhibitions at notable events such as the 2025 Mercosul Biennial and the 2023 Sharjah Biennale.
With the unrestricted Mohn Award funds, Eyal has expressed his intention to create a sculptural installation representing his father's car, which was destroyed during the conflict. He views this project as a means of artistic compensation for his mother, who endured significant loss.
Carl Cheng's contributions to the exhibition include a variety of works, with a focus on his innovative use of technology in art. His recent survey exhibition has received acclaim for showcasing his unique approach over the decades.
Greg Breda's paintings, which celebrate Black life and community, have resonated with audiences, highlighting themes of leisure and beauty in everyday moments.
