Monia Ben Hamouda wins MAXXI BVLGARI PRIZE with work on contemporary collapse

Monia Ben Hamouda, class of 1991, is the winner of the fourth MAXXI BVLGARI PRIZE with the work Theology of Collapse (The Myth of Past) I-X (2024), which becomes part of the permanent collection of MAXXI in Rome. The award ceremony was held on Friday, January 17, in MAXXI’s Carlo Scarpa Hall, in the presence of distinguished figures from the world of art and culture.

The international jury awarded Ben Hamouda’s work with the following motivation: “For his ability to intervene in the museum space and interact with materials, integrating the use of contemporary and traditional technologies. For the determination and rigor in the work that represents a clear moment of growth in his artistic research. For deeply addressing the collapse of our times through an unusual and evocative approach.”

A new addition to this edition of the MAXXI BVLGARI PRIZE is the special mention for the best digital project, awarded to Roberto Fassone for And We Thought (2021 - ongoing), a Sineglossa production involving artificial intelligence Ai Lai. The project combines text, video, posters and other visual productions to create three imaginary films, characterized by a psychedelic and surreal aesthetic.

The selection of the winner was entrusted to an international jury of experts: Francesco Stocchi, MAXXI Artistic Director, Nicolas Bourriaud, Director of the curatorial collective Radicants and Artistic Director of the 15th Gwangju Biennale (South Korea), Diana Campbell, Artistic Director of the Samdani Art Foundation (Dhaka, Bangladesh) and Chief Curator Dhaka Art Summit, Andrea Lissoni, Artistic Director of the Haus der Kunst in Munich, Ute Meta Bauer, Founder and Director of the NTU Center for Contemporary Art in Singapore and Artistic Director of the Contemporary Art Biennale 2024 in Diriyah (Saudi Arabia).

In addition to members of the jury, the award ceremony was attended by Emanuela Bruni, Regent Councilor of Fondazione MAXXI, Monia Trombetta, Acting Director of MAXXI Arte, and Laura Burdese, Deputy CEO of Bvlgari.

Winning work.

Theology of Collapse (The Myth of Past) I-X (2024) consists of ten laser-carved iron panels with motifs inspired by Islamic calligraphy and mosques, elements that reflect the artist’s cultural and ritual identity. The slabs, painted with spices such as paprika, hibiscus and cinnamon, are meant to evoke fragrances that amplify the visual experience, creating an immersive atmosphere charged with symbolism. Installed on the back wall of the MAXXI gallery, the work seeks to convey a sense of collapse and vulnerability, themes central to the artist’s reflection on the fragility of contemporary identities. This characterizing language, as well as conceptual rigor, mark a significant evolution in Ben Hamouda’s artistic research.

The work is the centerpiece of the exhibition curated by Giulia Ferracci, which also includes works by Binta Diaw(Juroom Naar) and Riccardo Benassi(ABSENCEHAH ESSENZAHAH), made especially for this occasion, finalists for the prize. Each work represents a site-specific exploration that enriches the exhibition itinerary, offering the public an insight into the most innovative contemporary artistic research.

An award for young art that looks to the future

The MAXXI BVLGARI PRIZE was established in 2001 as the Young Art Prize and, since 2018, has enjoyed the support of Bvlgari. Over the years, the prize has been a springboard for many artists, from Vanessa Beecroft to Francesco Vezzoli, consolidating itself as a point of reference for the most innovative and experimental artistic expressions.

The winner of this edition, Monia Ben Hamouda, not only wins entry into MAXXI’s permanent collection, but also the chance to participate in an artistic residency at the American Academy in Rome, where she will work closely with an artist selected by the Whitney Biennial.

Monia Ben Hamouda wins MAXXI BVLGARI PRIZE with work on contemporary collapse

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.