Theaster Gates Wins Artes Mundi 6, Splits Prize with Runners-Up
The prestigious Artes Mundi prize in the UK has been awarded to Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates, who will receive £40,000. In a remarkable gesture during his acceptance speech, Gates pledged to distribute the prize among the other nominees, which include notable artists such as Carlos Bunga and Sharon Lockhart. He was recognized for his thought-provoking 2014 artwork, "A Complicated Relationship between Heaven and Earth, or When We Believe," which critiques Western Christian views by presenting diverse religious artifacts. This piece will be accessible to the public until February 22, 2015, at the Artes Mundi exhibition across multiple venues, including the National Museum Cardiff.
Key facts
- Theaster Gates won the sixth Artes Mundi prize, receiving £40,000.
- He promised to split the prize money among the nine other shortlisted artists.
- Shortlisted artists: Carlos Bunga, Omer Fast, Sanja Ivekovic, Ragnar Kjartansson, Sharon Lockhart, Renata Lucas, Renzo Martens, Karen Mirza, Brad Butler.
- Winning installation: 'A Complicated Relationship between Heaven and Earth, or When We Believe' (2014).
- The installation challenges Western-centric Christian ideology using diverse religious objects and traditions.
- Gates finances urban renewal projects in Chicago, St. Louis, and Omaha through art sales.
- Exhibition runs through 22 February 2015 at National Museum Cardiff, Chapter, and ffotogallery.
- Artes Mundi is the UK's biggest monetary art prize.
Entities
Artists
- Theaster Gates
- Carlos Bunga
- Omer Fast
- Sanja Ivekovic
- Ragnar Kjartansson
- Sharon Lockhart
- Renata Lucas
- Renzo Martens
- Karen Mirza
- Brad Butler
Institutions
- Artes Mundi
- National Museum Cardiff
- Chapter
- ffotogallery
Locations
- Chicago
- St. Louis
- Omaha
- Cardiff
- United Kingdom