The 2019 Sovereign Asian Art Prize Winner:
Imran Qureshi Studio (Gouache and gold leaf on Wasli, 110 x 150 x 5cm), by Ahmed Javed of Pakistan, pays homage to Qureshi’s contribution to the neo-art miniature movement by documenting him in his studio. This work also particularises the discourse of a workshop – the concept of Mughal atelier where apprentices worked under masters contrasted with an independent artist’s studio, in which he is free to pursue through his own artistic agenda. In the work, Javed plays with size and perspective to denote status and importance, much like traditional Mughal miniatures.
The Prize is Asia’s longest established and most prestigious award for contemporary art. Along with the title, Ahmed Javed was awarded a trophy and US$30,000 at the Foundation’s annual Gala Dinner and Auction on May 17 in Hong Kong. The public’s favourite artwork was recognised when Munawar Ali Syed, also of Pakistan, clinched the popular vote and an award of US$1,000 with his artwork My 3rd Story in English. Fu Xiaotong, of China, the highest scoring female artist in the competition, was awarded the newly launched Vogue Hong Kong Women’s Art Prize and US$5,000 for her work 163,680 Pinpricks.
