Britons Antony Gormley and David Chipperfield win 'Japanese Nobel' prize
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A renowned sculptor and architect, both from Britain, were among the five artists to receive the prestigious Praemium Imperiale award, dubbed the “Japanese Nobel,” which comes with a cheque for £100,000.
Antony Gormley, whose work includes the Angel of the North, was named as a laureate in the sculpture category while David Chipperfield became a laureate for architecture.
Gormley said: “I love Japan” adding it was “more than an honour, it’s a wonderful reinforcement of a relationship I hope continues”.
The sculptor follows British artists including Anish Kapoor and David Hockney, as well as eminent figures form the theatre including Sir Tom Stoppard and Dame Judy Dench.
This year marks the 25 anniversary of the prize awarded by the Japan Art Association, whose honorary patron is Prince Hitachi, younger brother of the present Emperor of Japan.
Lord Patten, an international adviser to the awards said it was “particularly gratifying” to have British sculpture and architecture so well represented this year.
“There have been a tremendous number of iconic British figures who have won the prize,” he said. “The cultural contribution made by this country not just in the past but also today has been spectacular.” He concluded with the hope the Government recognised the contribution of “cultural vitality”.
Alongside them, Michelangelo Pistoletto became a laureate for painting, opera singer Placido Domingo won for music and Francis Ford Coppola, director of The Godfather, was named for theatre/film.
Gormley, whose London studio was designed by Chipperfield, added that Britain could learn from the culture of corporate giving to the arts in Japan.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments