A Mind-Bending Frenchman Wins the Coveted Nasher Prize in Dallas

During an eagerly anticipated cocktail soirée this evening at The Warehouse, the Nasher Sculpture Center announced French artist Pierre Huyghe as the recipient of its 2017 Nasher Prize. Dedicated exclusively to contemporary sculpture, the prestigious international award was established in 2015 and is presented annually to a living artist who has made a significant impact on our understanding of sculpture.

Huyghe has shattered preconceived notions of the art form, stretching the limits of sculpture by crafting elaborate works out of seemingly unstable materials, including bees and spiders. He uses this innovative approach to take on global issues such as climate change. The 54-year-old Huyghe is no stranger to major art honors. He won the Hugo Boss Prize from the Guggenheim Museum in 2002 and the Special Award of the 49th Venice Bienniale in 2001.

Selected by a jury of museum directors, curators, artists, and art historians (chosen by the Nasher’s director, Jeremy Strick), Nasher Prize winners receive $100,000 and an award object designed by Renzo Piano — architect of the Nasher Sculpture Center. Colombian artist Doris Salcedo won the inaugural award last year for her creative and politically charged sculptures and installations.

The museum, whose permanent collection includes works by Rodin, Picasso, Jonathan Borofsky, Frank Stella, and Barbara Hepworth, among others, has had a philanthropic philosophy since opening in 2003, recognizing talent in numerous ways and hosting public programs and educational initiatives. Most recently, it announced a one-year free admission policy for all police and fire department members.

Huyghe will be honored at a gala dinner held at the Nasher Sculpture Center in spring 2017.