Alex Seton Wins Sovereign Asian Art Prize 2020 with Marble Engine Sculpture

Alex Seton received the Sovereign Asian Art Prize's $30,000 grand prize for his 2019 marble sculpture 'Oilstone 05_Corrosion,' depicting a boat engine. The Australian artist's work employs both traditional and unconventional methods, including hydrochloric acid application, to interrogate statuary's conventional value. Saba Qizilbash earned The Vogue Hong Kong Women’s Art Prize and $5,000 for her 2019 installation 'Inbezelment,' featuring graphite drawings set in resin bezels. Made Wiguna Valasara from Indonesia secured The Public Vote Prize and $1,000 for 'Daily parade,' a 2019 hand-stitched and embossed canvas. Seton credited curator Mikala Tai for his nomination, praising the Asia-Pacific region's contemporary art scene during his acceptance. A panel including David Elliott, Jan Dalley, Jiyoon Lee, Miao Xiaochun, Zhou Li, William Lim, Alice Mong, and Elaine Lin selected winners from 31 finalists. The Sovereign Art Foundation organizes the annual award.