Adel Abidin Wins 2023 Ithra Art Prize for Work on Zanj Rebellion
Adel Abidin has won the 2023 Ithra Art Prize for his thought-provoking artwork titled On, which explores themes of history, memory, and identity. He’ll receive $100,000 to develop and showcase this piece, which will become part of Ithra’s permanent collection. The artwork centers on the Zanj Rebellion during Iraq's Abbassid period, using oral histories to highlight how perspectives on this event have evolved. A panel of judges, including Dr. Andrée Sfeir-Semler, Balqees Fakhro, Farah Abushullaih, Murtaza Vali, and Dr. Ridha Moumni, selected Abidin for the honor. Established in 2017, the Ithra Art Prize supports leading contemporary artists from the Arab world, with past winners like Ayman Zedani and Nadia Kaabi-Linke.
Key facts
- Adel Abidin won the 2023 Ithra Art Prize.
- The prize includes $100,000 for production and delivery of the artwork.
- The artwork On will become part of Ithra's permanent collection.
- On explores the Zanj Rebellion of 869 AD in Iraq.
- Abidin's work examines how historical narratives change across oral accounts.
- The jury included Dr. Andrée Sfeir-Semler, Balqees Fakhro, Farah Abushullaih, Murtaza Vali, and Dr. Ridha Moumni.
- The Ithra Art Prize was founded in 2017.
- Previous winners include Ayman Zedani, Daniah Al Saleh, Fahad bin Naif, and Nadia Kaabi-Linke.
Entities
Artists
- Adel Abidin
- Ayman Zedani
- Daniah Al Saleh
- Fahad bin Naif
- Nadia Kaabi-Linke
- Balqees Fakhro
Institutions
- Ithra
- Christie's
- Ithra Art Prize
Locations
- Iraq