Germany

Deutsche Bank launches Artist of the Year award

African contemporary artist Wangechi Mutu is the first winner, and will have her work shown at the Deutsche Guggenheim in Berlin

Deutsche Bank has presented its first ever “Artist of the Year” award to African artist Wangechi Mutu. The selection was made on the recommendation of curators including Okwui Enwezor, Hou Hanru, Udo Kittelmann and Nancy Spector, who comprise the Deutsche Bank Global Art Advisory Council.



“We want to underline the philosophy of Deutsche Bank’s art programme: promoting young contemporary artists from all over the world,” said Friedhelm Hütte, Global Head of Art, Deutsche Bank.



Mutu, who lives in New York, was born in Nairobi in 1972. The Deutsche Guggenheim in Berlin will present an exhibition of her works from 30 April to 13 June 2010. Her mixed media collages have previously been on show at London’s Tate Modern and the Kunsthalle in Vienna.

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Comments

8 Apr 10
17:26 CET

RICHARD, NEW YORK

a very mediocre artist

31 Mar 10
19:38 CET

ANDRES BERMUDEZ, PARIS

Calling Wangechi Mutu "African" is a simplistic adjective that does not explain anything about her, and is very First World centric. It would be far more accurate to mention her nationality, Kenyan. I'm sure "most" (if not all) readers will make the association that Kenya is in Africa.

16 Mar 10
18:51 CET

CHRISTOPHER LOGAN, BERLIN

Fine choice, indeed!! I look forward to seeing the show.

8 Mar 10
16:37 CET

JOHN SMITH, BOSTON

The 4 jurors are all fine curators. The winning artist is a fine choice. But, why does all of this seem tired....?

8 Mar 10
16:37 CET

JULIANE OKOT BITEK, VANCOUVER

Wnagechi Mutu is a phenomenal artist. Some of her work is being featured as part of the Body Works Exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery, Canada alongside Leonardo da Vinci. Her stuff stands head and shoulders above everything I've seen there. She deserves to get the Deutsche Bank's Artist of the Year Award. Absolutely.

27 Feb 10
20:45 CET

PABLO, PARIS

Doesn't seem like those whom pick the finalists for this went too far to look for great artists.

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