The esteemed Future Generation Art Prize, established in Ukraine in 2009, has announced its 2024 winners, celebrating young and emerging talents worldwide. The main award of $100,000 was given to Dhaka-based artist Ashfika Rahman, known for her multidisciplinary approach and focus on social issues. The “Special Prize” category acknowledged Iraqi-Kurdish artist Tara Abdullah Mohammed Sharif, Palestinian artist Dina Mimi, Pakistani artist Hira Nabi, Indonesian-born Ipeh Nur, and Taiwanese artist Zhang Xu Zhan, each receiving a share of $20,000.
The shortlisted 21 artists’ works are currently exhibited at the PinchukArtCenter in Kyiv until January 19, 2025. In light of Ukraine’s ongoing recovery post-conflict, this exhibition holds particular resonance, reflecting the resilience and ongoing dedication of the local art community. According to Björn Geldhof, artistic director of PinchukArtCenter and a member of the award jury, “A lot of artists are still actively present. Obviously, many artists in the beginning of the war have escaped but many also stayed. What is important is that from the very start of the war, artists were looking for ways to engage, and when I say ‘engage,’ I don’t only mean through art, but how can they be functional in a situation like this? How can they serve their country?”
Themes explored in the works include mythologies, cultural histories, and the impact of past traumas, as well as narratives on liberation from colonialism. The prize remains unique in its commitment to supporting artists 35 years old or younger, with a focus on underrepresented voices globally. As Geldhof noted, the prize supports artists “imagining the future” by navigating contemporary issues differently than established generations.