Mel Chin Wins 12th Hiroshima Art Prize, Major Survey Opens in Japan
Mel Chin has been awarded the 12th Hiroshima Art Prize, established in 1989 by Hiroshima—the first city to suffer an atomic bombing—to promote world peace through art. The prize is given every three years. A commemorative exhibition at the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art (July 25–October 12, 2026) serves as Chin's first solo presentation in Japan, featuring a career-spanning survey of his works alongside new pieces created for Hiroshima. Chin (born 1951) is known for addressing complex social issues like environmental problems through sculpture, drawing, painting, video, animation, video games, and large-scale public installations. His long-term projects often involve collaboration with local communities and scientific methods, exploring art's role in fostering social consciousness. The exhibition includes an opening lecture by Chin on July 25, 2026. Concurrent collection exhibitions run June 27–September 23 and October 10, 2026–January 24, 2027.
Key facts
- Mel Chin is the recipient of the 12th Hiroshima Art Prize.
- The prize was established in 1989 to convey the 'Spirit of Hiroshima' for world peace.
- The prize is awarded once every three years.
- The exhibition runs from July 25 to October 12, 2026 at Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art.
- It is Chin's first solo presentation in Japan.
- The exhibition includes new works created specifically for Hiroshima.
- Chin's work spans sculpture, drawing, painting, video, animation, video games, and public installations.
- An opening lecture by Chin will be held on July 25, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Mel Chin
Institutions
- Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art
- Hiroshima Art Prize
Locations
- Hiroshima
- Japan