Arpita Akhanda Wins Sovereign Asian Art Prize for ‘Poetic, Multidisciplinary Approach’
The Indian artist’s ability to embody ‘layering, destruction and time’ has seen her net 30,000 USD in prize money. Save to My Ocula
Contemporary artist Arpita Akhanda will take home 30,000 USD as the winner of the 2025 Sovereign Asian Art Prize.
Beating out 36 other finalists after being nominated by independent curator and researcher Sadya Mizan, Akhanda was recognised for Dendritic Data lb (2024), a paper weaving reflecting on identity and memory.
Judging panel chair David Elliott praised Akhanda’s ‘poetic, multidisciplinary approach’, combining traditional weaving with landscape and traumatic memory. He described Kim’s fresco technique as embodying ‘layering, destruction and time.’
Other awardees that have so far been announced include South Korean artist Yujung Kim, who received the Vogue Hong Kong Women’s Art Prize and 5,000 USD for The Island That Swallowed The Moon, The Drifting Day (2024)—a work exploring the ornamental use of plants in urban environments through scratching and carving black pigment on lime mortar.
Along with Elliot, this year’s panel included Bangkok Art Biennale’s artistic director Apinan Poshyananda and Singapore Art Museum‘s senior curator Haeju Kim.
This year’s 36 finalists will exhibit their works at Phillips’ Asia headquarters in Hong Kong‘s West Kowloon Cultural District from 21 to 29 March, before inclusion in Phillips’ New Now: Modern & Contemporary Art and Design sale on 29 March. —[O]
Main image: Arpita Akhanda, Dendritic Data lb (2024). Paper weaving, archival print on Hahnemühle photo rag. 175 x 127 x 18 cm. Courtesy the artist and Sovereign Art Foundation.
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services