Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a remarkable ceremony held in Nikko, Japan, Louvre Abu Dhabi collaborated with luxury watchmaker Richard Mille to recognize Japanese artist Ryoichi Kurokawa as the recipient of the prestigious Richard Mille Art Prize. His artwork, skadw-, was selected from a range of remarkable entries showcased at the Art Here 2025 exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Kurokawa received a $60,000 cash award alongside this honor.

Exploring Shadows Through Art

The centerpiece of Kurokawa’s work, titled skadw-, delves into the theme of “Shadows.” Rather than perceiving shadows merely as byproducts of light, he transforms them into a vital component of spatial experience.

The installation incorporates:

• light

• sound

• drifting fog

A delicate beam of light interacts with layers of mist, creating ephemeral shapes that captivate viewers. This dynamic play of forms creates an atmosphere that feels both tranquil and dreamlike, motivating visitors to reflect on notions of emptiness and silence.

Kurokawa’s inspiration stems from the Japanese concept of Ma, which emphasizes the significance of space between objects and moments. His art invites contemplation on absence and facilitates a meaningful engagement with shadows.

Director's Acclaim

Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, commended Kurokawa’s innovative technique and emotional depth displayed in his work. He noted that this year’s nominees showcased exceptional quality and resonated strongly with audiences.

Rabaté also underscored the ongoing collaboration with Richard Mille, emphasizing its role in promoting contemporary artists and fostering creative expression.

A Tribute from Richard Mille

Tilly Harrison, Managing Director of Richard Mille Middle East, stated that skadw- provided a thoughtful interpretation of the Shadows theme. She emphasized the piece's cultural significance, bridging Japanese artistic traditions while reaching a global audience, reflecting the Prize’s cross-cultural aspirations.

Esteemed Jury

The selection of the winner came from a distinguished jury comprised of five notable figures:

• His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan – Chairman of Alliances for Global Sustainability, art collector, and board member of the British Museum

• Dr. Guilhem André – Director of Scientific, Curatorial, and Collection Management at Louvre Abu Dhabi

• Maya Allison – Executive Director and Chief Curator at NYU Abu Dhabi

• Sophie Mayuko Arni – Exhibition curator and founding editor of Global Art Daily

• Yuko Hasegawa – Research Professor at Kyoto University, former director of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

The jury members lauded the creativity evident in the works presented by the shortlisted artists and the rich emotional and cultural narratives regarding shadows.

Insights from the Jury

Dr. Guilhem André noted the variety with which artists approached shadows—viewing them as materials, memories, architecture, and emotions. He emphasized that the shortlist reflected the wealth of artistic concepts emerging from the Gulf and beyond.

Sophie Mayuko Arni remarked that skadw- was among the most engaging installations within the exhibition, appealing profoundly to viewers of diverse ages. She acknowledged the increasing integration of technology and new media to create resonant artistic experiences.

Kurokawa's Reflection

Expressing his gratitude for the accolade, Kurokawa stated that his work leverages fog, sound, and light to allow shadows to define space. His aim was to evoke how darkness and emptiness can feel almost tangible, guiding the senses toward the invisible aspects of existence.

He extended his appreciation to Louvre Abu Dhabi and Richard Mille for creating an avenue that nurtures artistic innovation.

Strong Participation in Art Here 2025

This year’s iteration of Art Here attracted over 400 submissions from:

• GCC artists

• Japanese artists

• MENA region artists with ties to the GCC

The artists shortlisted for 2025 included:

• Ahmed Alaqra

• Jumairy

• Ryoichi Kurokawa

• Hamra Abbas

• Rintaro Fuse

• YOKOMAE et BOUAYAD (duo)

The selected artworks will remain on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi until December 28.

Advancing Contemporary Art

Over the years, Art Here has established itself as an essential platform for showcasing contemporary art from both the local and global arenas. It embraces various styles, mediums, and perspectives, facilitating cultural exchanges among artists from the GCC, MENA region, and Japan.

The partnership between Louvre Abu Dhabi and Richard Mille reflects a shared mission: to promote artistic excellence and support both emerging and established talents while expanding the horizons of creative expression.

The Importance of the Richard Mille Art Prize

The Richard Mille Art Prize holds significant value as it:

• promotes innovation within contemporary art

• spotlights fresh cultural voices

• encourages cross-regional collaboration

• raises awareness of artists exploring new media and installations

By focusing on themes such as shadows, absence, and perception, this year’s edition urged artists to delve deeper and expand their creative boundaries.

The 2025 Richard Mille Art Prize celebrates the transformative artwork skadw-, where shadows morph into immersive experiences. Kurokawa’s innovative interpretation, cultural influences, and artistic craftsmanship earned him the coveted recognition and a $60,000 award.

This accolade further strengthens cultural connections between the UAE, GCC, and Japan, reaffirming Louvre Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for contemporary art.

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