The Sovereign Art Foundation has announced Parul Gupta as the Grand Prize Winner of the 2023 Sovereign Asian Art Prize. Competing against finalists from 16 countries and territories in the Asia Pacific region, Gupta has been awarded the prestigious prize of $30,000.
Gupta’s winning artwork, titled “Notes on Movement- Layer #115” (2022), captivated the judges with its intricate ink-on-paper composition. In the piece, Gupta expertly layers copies of the same detailed drawing, creating a visual suggestion of movement akin to a frozen video still. During her acceptance speech at the Sovereign Asian Art Prize Gala Dinner and Charity Auction on May 19, Gupta shared her journey as an artist, emphasizing the transformative power of art and the pursuit of independent life.
Another talented artist, Alisa Chunchue from Thailand, was honored with the Vogue Hong Kong Women’s Art Prize, which comes with a monetary reward of $5,000. Chunchue’s artwork, “Wound” (2022), is a drawing that references surgical stitches, inviting contemplation on the themes of healing and resilience.
Additionally, the Public Vote Prize, worth $1,000, was awarded to Indian artist Cop Shiva for his artwork titled “No Longer a Memory” (2022). This captivating piece features a portrait of the artist and his mother, both adorned in colorful suits and sunglasses, posing alongside goats in front of a floral backdrop. Shiva’s artwork pays homage to his childhood, evoking memories of joyful playtime in the village hut illuminated by candlelight.
The finalists for the Sovereign Asian Art Prize were carefully selected by a distinguished panel of judges, which included curators David Elliott, Siuli Tan, and Yuko Hasegawa, as well as Christopher K Ho from Asia Art Archive. The panel also included Azin Zolfaghari, the winner of the 2022 Sovereign Asian Art Prize, adding valuable insight and expertise to the selection process.
The 2023 Sovereign Asian Art Prize recognizes and celebrates exceptional talent and artistic expressions from across the Asia Pacific region. Through their distinct artworks, Parul Gupta, Alisa Chunchue, and Cop Shiva have demonstrated their creativity, skill, and unique perspectives. Their contributions enrich the contemporary art scene and inspire audiences with their thought-provoking creations.
The Sovereign Art Foundation continues to champion artists and their creative endeavors, providing a platform for recognition, support, and the promotion of Asian art on an international stage. The exhibition and recognition of these talented artists further contribute to the vibrant and diverse cultural landscape of the region.