One of the most coveted and significant art prizes in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, the Abraaj Group Art Prize has been recognised globally as an exceptional platform for artists working in the region. Since 2008, the award has taken place annually at Art Dubai, which this year runs from the 15-18 March 2017.
The $100,000 prize offers the winning artist the opportunity to realize a “dream project,” which will be unveiled at Art Dubai to an international array of museum directors, collectors, artists and gallerists. Begum’s commission will form part of an exhibition curated by Omar Berrada which will also encompass works by the shortlisted artists: the Egyptian Doa Aly, Sarah Abu Abdallah from Saudia Arabia, and the Iranian artist Raha Raissnia.
Begum, who studied painting at the Chelsea College of Art and Design and later at the Slade School of Fine Art, creates brightly coloured works that are influenced by op-art and minimalism and which draw upon the geometric forms and patterns found within Islamic art and architecture.
Speaking about her success, Begum said: "It is such an honour to win the Abraaj Group Art Prize. I have greatly admired the winning artists and works of previous years and consider it a privilege to follow in their footsteps." Notable winners that have come before her include the artist duo Basel Abbas and Ruanne Abou-Rahme, who work together across a range of sound, image, text, installation and performance practices, and Yto Barrada, who was awarded the prize in 2015 for her work in photography and film.
image: Rana Begum, No.528, 2014, Paint on powder-coated aluminium, H200x W156 x D8cm, 20 sec
