Nalini Malani awarded Kyoto Prize

Artist Nalini Malani has been honoured with the prestigious Kyoto Prize, Japan’s highest private award. The prize recognizes her lifetime achievements in the arts and carries a purse of $700,000. Malani, known as one of India’s first video artists, has expanded her practice to include theatre, installations, paintings, and drawings. She is celebrated for her “phantasmagorical spaces with approachable art forms” and her pioneering artistic expression that amplifies the voices of the marginalized. The press release also acknowledges her global contributions as a non-Western artist, challenging Western-centric perspectives in art.

In addition to the Kyoto Prize, Nalini Malani has participated in numerous individual and group exhibitions worldwide, receiving recognition for her thought-provoking and innovative artistic contributions. Her work has been featured in galleries and museums across the globe, including Paris, New York, Chicago, and Venice. Malani’s installations, shadow plays, and video works reflect her unique artistic vision and commitment to addressing social issues.

Education has played a crucial role in shaping Malani’s artistic journey. She obtained a Diploma in Fine Arts from the Sir JJ School of Art in Bombay and pursued further studies in Paris with the support of a French Government Scholarship. Throughout her career, she has also benefited from residencies and fellowships in various countries, further enriching her artistic practice.

Malani’s artwork reflects her experiences as a refugee during the Partition of India and Pakistan. After studying art in Mumbai and Paris, she returned to India and started addressing socio-political issues in her work. The Kyoto Prize, often referred to as Japan’s Nobel, is awarded annually across three categories: advanced technology, basic sciences, and arts and philosophy. Each category receives a grant of 100 million yen ($695,290). Previous recipients of the Kyoto Prize include renowned artists Nam June Paik, Tadao Ando, and Joan Jonas.

Malani’s art encompasses various mediums, including new media, international collaborations, and multidimensional installations. Her work challenges inherited iconographies and cultural stereotypes, highlighting urban and international perspectives while condemning exploitative nationalism. She pushes the boundaries of narrative and initiates dialogue through her art.

Nalini Malani’s recognition with the Kyoto Prize underscores her profound impact on contemporary art and her dedication to giving voice to the marginalized. Her artistic journey, influenced by her personal history and global experiences, continues to inspire and challenge artistic conventions.