American artist Jenny Holzer and British artist Andy Goldsworthy are among the five winners of Japan's 37th Praemium Imperiale, one of the most prestigious honors in the arts. Each laureate will receive 15 million yen, or about $95,000.
The prize recognizes lifetime achievement across painting, sculpture, architecture, music, and theater/film. This year's other honorees include actor Cate Blanchett, architect Daniel Libeskind, and conductor Herbert Blomstedt, highlighting the award's global reach across creative disciplines.
Holzer was selected in the painting category for a body of work built around language, public speech, and the visual power of text. Her installations have appeared in major institutions including the Venice Biennale, the Guggenheim Museums, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. She also has a solo exhibition scheduled at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris this fall.
Goldsworthy received the sculpture honor for his site-responsive works made from natural materials such as snow, twigs, and leaves. Known for pieces that often change with time and weather, he has exhibited widely at institutions including the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., Storm King Art Center, and Yorkshire Sculpture Park. A solo show at the Parrish Art Museum is currently on view through November 8.
The Japan Art Association also awarded a 5 million yen grant to France's La Source Garouste for its support of young artists. As recognition for creative excellence continues to cross borders, awards like this help shape the cultural landscape of the years ahead.
