Artes Mundi 8 shortlist features five international artists for £40,000 prize

The Artes Mundi 8 prize, worth £40,000, has shortlisted five artists from various international backgrounds: Anna Boghiguian (Canada/Egypt), Bouchra Khalili (Morocco/France), Otobong Nkanga (Nigeria), Trevor Paglen (USA), and Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Thailand). This selection emerged from more than 450 nominations spanning 86 countries and was revealed on 11 September 2017 by Artes Mundi, based in Cardiff. The exhibition showcasing the prize will take place at the National Museum Cardiff for four months, with the winner to be announced in January 2019. Curators involved in the selection process included Nick Aikens from the Van Abbemuseum, Daniela Pérez from Mexico City, and Jakarta’s Alia Swastika. Artes Mundi, founded in 2002, emphasizes contemporary visual artists who tackle social realities. Previous winners include John Akomfrah (2017), Theaster Gates (2015), and others.