Wael Shawky Wins Inaugural Mario Merz Prize, Film Premieres in Zurich

Wael Shawky has been awarded the first edition of the Mario Merz Prize, with his film Al Araba Al Madfuna III premiering in Zurich during Manifesta 11. The film is the third part of a trilogy commissioned by Qatar Museums, shot at the temples of Seti I and Osirion in Abydos, Egypt. It explores metaphysical dimensions through color inversion—every color replaced by its complement, light swapped with darkness—and features children speaking with adult voices. The prize, dedicated to Mario Merz, was announced by Beatrice Merz alongside a conversation between Shawky and curator Abdellah Karroum. The second edition's shortlist was also revealed: Francesco Arena, Petrit Halilaj, Gili Lavy, Shahryar Nashat, and Suha Traboulsi. They will exhibit at Fondazione Merz in Turin in March. The winner will be chosen by Manuel Borja-Villel, Lawrence Weiner, Massimiliano Gioni, and Beatrice Merz, with a public online vote. The awarded artist will exhibit in Turin and Switzerland.