Who Are the Sobey Art Award Nominees for 2023?
Gabrielle L'Hirondelle Hill, Counterblaste (2021). Pantyhose, tobacco, beer can tabs, wildflowers, thread, charms. 24 x 200 x 66 cm. Exhibition view: 59th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, The Milk of Dreams (23 April–27 November 2022). Courtesy La Biennale di Venezia. Photo: Marco Cappelletti.
The National Gallery of Canada (NGC) and the Sobey Art Foundation have announced the five finalists for this year’s Sobey Art Award.
Works by the nominees will be exhibited at the Gallery from 13 October 2023 until 3 March 2024, with the winner of the CA $100,000 prize to be announced in November 2023.
The nominees (and their home regions) are: queer new media artist Séamus Gallagher (Atlantic); Tehran-born research-based artist Anahita Norouzi (Québec); Trinidad-born lens-based artist Michèle Pearson Clarke (Ontario); Inuvialuk artist Kablusiak (Prairies and the North), who explores gender and sexual identities through materials including flour and lingerie; and Cree and Métis artist Gabrielle L’Hirondelle Hill (West Coast & Yukon), who uses found objects in her collages and assemblages.
‘The work of the five finalists present views on many urgent matters of our time, including 2SLGBTQ+ solidarities and representation, as well as critical questions regarding diasporic experience and Canadian identity,’ said Jonathan Shaughnessy, NGC‘s Director of Curatorial Initiatives and Chair of the 2023 Sobey Award Jury.
The Sobey Art Award was established in 2002. Last year, it was won by Divya Mehra, who exhibited a bouncy castle Taj Mahal with an extraordinarily long title in the Award exhibition. —[O]
Main image: Gabrielle L'Hirondelle Hill, Counterblaste (2021). Pantyhose, tobacco, beer can tabs, wildflowers, thread, charms. 24 x 200 x 66 cm. Exhibition view: 59th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, The Milk of Dreams (23 April–27 November 2022). Courtesy La Biennale di Venezia. Photo: Marco Cappelletti.
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