The Prix Marcel Duchamp, France's most prestigious art award, has revealed its nominees for the 2026 cycle. This year marks a slight departure from tradition, with five artists making the shortlist rather than the customary four. These distinguished individuals will contend for a significant monetary prize and the invaluable opportunity to showcase their work in a major Parisian institution.
Among the celebrated artists nominated is Joël Andrianomearisoa, a Malagasy artist renowned for his captivating textile creations that have graced exhibitions globally. His innovative approach to material and form has garnered widespread acclaim within the art community. Also recognized is Josèfa Ntjam, an artist who previously participated in the Bienal de São Paulo. Her compelling installations and sculptures frequently explore themes of fluid identity, often drawing inspiration from the rich cultural tapestry of the African diaspora.
Further enriching the roster of nominees are Laura Henno and the collaborative artistic partnership of David Brognon and Stéphanie Rollin. These artists will vie for the coveted €35,000 prize, equivalent to just over $40,000 USD. A unique aspect of this year's award is the planned joint exhibition for all nominees, which will take place at the Musée d’Arte Moderne de Paris in October. This temporary relocation is due to ongoing renovations at the Centre Pompidou, the traditional venue for the nominees' show, which is anticipated to be closed for several years.
The ultimate laureate, whose identity will be disclosed following the exhibition's inauguration, will join an illustrious group of past winners. This esteemed cohort includes artists such as Laurent Grasso, Tatiana Trouvé, Kapwani Kiwanga, and Tarik Kiswanson, all of whom have significantly contributed to contemporary art. The selection process for this year's prize is overseen by a distinguished panel of curators. This jury is chaired by Xavier Rey, the esteemed director of the Centre Pompidou, and includes other prominent figures in the art world. Notably, Claude Bonnin, director of Adiaf, the organization facilitating the award, and Akemi Shiraha of the Association Marcel Duchamp are also part of the jury. Further adding to the jury's expertise are Fabrice Hergott, director of the Musée d’Art Moderne; collectors Fernando Arriola and Marie-Cécile Zinsou; acclaimed artists Kader Attia (a former Prix Marcel Duchamp recipient in 2016) and Berlinde de Bruyckere; Karin Hindsbo, director of the Tate Modern; and Christophe Leribault, president of the Château de Versailles. This diverse panel ensures a comprehensive and discerning evaluation of the nominees' artistic contributions.
This year's Prix Marcel Duchamp highlights the dynamic and evolving landscape of French contemporary art, showcasing a diverse array of artistic voices and practices. The anticipation builds for the announcement of the winner, who will undoubtedly make their mark on the international art scene, continuing the legacy of this prestigious award.