Hannan Arshad Wins 2025 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award for Mughal Heritage Installation
Hannan Arshad, an emerging artist and designer from India now living in the UAE, has received the prestigious 2025 Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award for her project, Safekeeping Stories (2025). This engaging installation aims to bring Mughal-era knowledge back to life through a blend of artistic and architectural elements. Arshad's work showcases handmade Lakhori bricks, some with edible components, arranged like a library where visitors can interact with them as if they were books. Her research took her to important cultural landmarks, including the Raza Library in Rampur and the Bada Imambara in Lucknow. The award, now in its thirteenth year, is given by NYU Abu Dhabi and ADMAF, supported by Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan. Dr. Christianna Bonin from AUS guided Arshad, while Her Excellency Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo praised the award's role in celebrating creative innovation.
Key facts
- Hannan Arshad won the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2025
- Her project Safekeeping Stories (2025) explores Mughal-era cultural heritage
- The installation uses hand-crafted Lakhori bricks with edible components
- Arshad is a UAE-based Indian artist with a graphic design background
- The award is organized by NYU Abu Dhabi and ADMAF under Sheikha Shamsa's patronage
- The award has been running since 2013, supporting young UAE creatives
- Arshad was guided by Dr Christianna Bonin of AUS
- Research included visits to Raza Library in Rampur and Bada Imambara in Lucknow
Entities
Artists
- Hannan Arshad
- Christo
- Jeanne-Claude
- Dr Christianna Bonin
Institutions
- NYU Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF)
- College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD)
- American University of Sharjah (AUS)
- Raza Library
- Bada Imambara
Locations
- Abu Dhabi
- United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah
- Rampur
- Lucknow
- India