Petrit Halilaj and Geoffrey Gordon win 2017 Mario Merz Prize for art and music
The 2017 Mario Merz Prize has gone to Petrit Halilaj and Geoffrey Gordon, honoring their impactful work in visual arts and contemporary music. Sponsored by the Fondazione Merz, this biennial award grants each artist €10,000 to kickstart a new project. Halilaj will be featured in solo shows in Turin and Switzerland, complemented by a published catalogue, while Gordon’s music will be presented in a series of concerts. The prize jury included notable figures like Manuel Borja-Villel and Lawrence Weiner, while the music award panel comprised Dieter Ammann and Thomas Demenga, all focused on supporting artists facing various obstacles.
Key facts
- Petrit Halilaj won the 2017 Mario Merz Prize for art
- Geoffrey Gordon won the 2017 Mario Merz Prize for music
- Each winner receives €10,000 for a new commission
- Halilaj will exhibit his commissioned work in Turin and Switzerland
- Gordon's commissioned scores will be performed in concerts
- The art jury included Manuel Borja-Villel, Lawrence Weiner, Massimiliano Gioni, and Beatrice Merz
- The music jury included Dieter Ammann, Thomas Demenga, Alexander Lonquich, and Willy Merz
- The prize is funded by the Fondazione Merz and awarded biennially
Entities
Artists
- Petrit Halilaj
- Geoffrey Gordon
- Manuel Borja-Villel
- Lawrence Weiner
- Massimiliano Gioni
- Beatrice Merz
- Dieter Ammann
- Thomas Demenga
- Alexander Lonquich
- Willy Merz
Institutions
- Fondazione Merz
- Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
- New Museum
- Fondazione Trussardi
Locations
- Turin
- Switzerland
- Madrid
- New York
- Milan