Mohamed Bourouissa Wins 2025 Mario Merz Prize for Art with Police Violence Film

The 2025 Mario Merz Prize for art has been awarded to Mohamed Bourouissa, while Natalia Domínguez Rangel has taken home the music accolade. Now in its fifth year, this prize uniquely honors talents in both art and music on an international scale. Bourouissa, an artist of Algerian heritage residing in Paris, was chosen by a jury that included Caroline Bourgeois of the Pinault Collection, Manuel Borja-Villel, Massimiliano Gioni from the New Museum and Fondazione Trussardi, and Beatriz Merz. His acclaimed entry is a film that delves into themes of police violence and state control. As part of his prize, Bourouissa will develop a site-specific exhibition at Fondazione Merz in 2027. Notable past winners in the art category include Wael Shawky, Petrit Halilaj, Bertille Bak, and Yto Barrada. Founded in Turin in 2005 by Fondazione Merz, named for Mario and Marisa Merz, this biannual award seeks to promote artists and composers who address social issues. Bourouissa's works are featured in prominent collections, including MoMA in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.