The Boghossian Foundation has announced the 2024 laureates of its International Prize for Visual Arts, Design and Crafts, and Jewellery. The awards, presented at Villa Empain in Brussels, celebrate artists whose work fosters mutual understanding between Eastern and Western cultures. Each winner receives €12,000, an exhibition at the foundation, and a month-long residency at Villa Empain.
The Visual Arts Prize was awarded to Kate Crawford and Vladan Joler for their exploration of artificial intelligence’s hidden impacts. Their collaborative projects, such as Anatomy of an AI System and Calculating Empires, examine global power dynamics through AI’s lifecycle—from resource extraction to data processing and disposal. Their works have been showcased at institutions, including MoMA and the V&A Museum, urging critical dialogues on technology’s societal and environmental costs.
The Design and Crafts Prize went to Kim Mupangilaï, a Belgian-Congolese designer based in New York. Her work merges Congolese heritage with Belgian Art Nouveau, creating culturally rich and innovative designs. Pieces like the Bina Chair and Mwasi Armoire blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, addressing themes of identity, resilience, and cross-cultural dialogue. Mupangilaï’s creations have been featured at prestigious exhibitions and publications, solidifying her position as a global design influencer.
The Jewellery Prize was awarded to Joy Harvey, an Italian jewelry artist who blends scientific insight with traditional techniques. Her creations, such as the Flower Wreath, explore themes of aging, imperfection, and beauty, challenging conventional ideals. Harvey’s work combines Florentine goldsmithing, Armenian craftsmanship, and digital innovation, reflecting her dedication to reimagining the boundaries of jewelry design.
Chaired by Albert Boghossian, the jury included leading figures from the art world, such as Chris Dercon of Fondation Cartier and Julia Garimorth of Musée d’Art Moderne. The Boghossian Foundation continues its mission of bridging cultures through art, offering a platform for cross-disciplinary innovation and cultural exchange.