DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra) on Wednesday announced the winner of the fifth Ithra Art Prize as Iraqi Finnish artist Adel Abidin.
Abidin’s proposal was a wall installation, called “ON,” that explores connection between history, memory and identity.
The artist won $100,000 for the piece.
“As I delve into the intangible aspects of history, I am confronted with the challenge of scarce reliable archival sources,” the artist wrote on Instagram. “This challenge is especially evident in the context of Arab history, where much remains shrouded in ambiguity, allowing for a broad range of interpretations and augmentations.”
“In my meticulous study of the Zanj Rebellion of 869 AD in southern Iraq, particularly in the city of Basra, I find a captivating example that exemplifies these themes,” he added.
