Turkish artist of Armenian origin won the new Jameel Prize
12.07.2009 01:23 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Iranian born Afruz Amighi has won the new Jameel
Prize for her art titled "1001 Pages," with Sevan Býcakcý, a Turkish
artist of Armenian origin, named as one of nine finalists, Hurriyet
reports.
Hundreds of artists were competing for the Jameel Prize. The prize,
named after the late Saudi businessman Abdul Latif Jameel, is a new
international art award that was launched by the Victoria & Albert
Museum, or V&A, in London.
The award aims to raise awareness of the thriving interaction between
contemporary practices and the rich artistic heritage of Islam, and to
contribute to a broader debate about Islamic culture, in order to
provide an exchange between contemporary art and Islamic culture. The
prize, which will be awarded every two years, was presented at a
ceremony at the museum.
The ceremony was attended by artists from various countries. Mark
Jones, director of the V&A, presented Afruz Amighi with her prize,
worth 25,000 pounds.
Býcakcý, who is known as the "Lord of the Rings" for his jewelry
designs, was listed as a candidate for the Jameel Prize by the British
Council in Istanbul in August. He was the only non-Muslim member among
the finalists. Býcakcý said he received a special invitation from the
museum and became one of nine finalists among 100 candidates.
"Sculptors and graphic designers reflecting the art of Islam in the
best way were among the finalists. They chose me in the field of
jewelry. This process started a few months ago. I chose the five most
special rings that I have never thought of selling for the
competition. The rings will be exhibited in Jameel Gallery for two to
three months and later on they will be on display for one year in
various museums in the Middle East, such as in northern Jerusalem,
Jordan and Egypt," Býcakcý said.
Býcakcý, who is one of the few well-known names in Turkey in jewelry
design, is known around the world. He won the American Jewelry Design
"Couture Design Award," which is regarded as the design Oscar, for
three successive years.