Abu Dhabi Celebrates Ryoichi Kurokawa's Artistic Triumph

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

During a distinguished event in Nikko, Japan, Louvre Abu Dhabi, alongside luxury watchmaker Richard Mille, announced Ryoichi Kurokawa as the recipient of the fifth Richard Mille Art Prize. His installation skadw- was selected from a variety of impressive works displayed at the Art Here 2025 exhibition. Along with the title, he was awarded a cash prize of $60,000.

Transforming Shadows into Perception

Kurokawa’s artwork, skadw-, explores the theme of “Shadows.” Rather than viewing shadows as mere consequences of light, he delves into their role in shaping spatial experiences.

This immersive installation incorporates:

• light

• sound

• drifting fog

As a beam of light navigates through layers of mist, it creates ephemeral shapes that shift and vanish, leaving viewers with the sensation that shadows possess substance. This serene atmosphere encourages an exploration of emptiness, silence, and stillness.

Inspired by the Japanese notion of Ma, which values the spaces between objects and moments, Kurokawa created an environment where absence conveys meaning, and shadows appear almost tangible.

Louvre Abu Dhabi Acknowledges the Masterpiece

Manuel Rabaté, the Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, commended Kurokawa’s innovative approach. He remarked that the artwork showcases profound emotional depth alongside precise technique. Rabaté noted the high quality and viewer engagement of this year’s submissions.

Furthermore, he emphasized the ongoing collaboration between Louvre Abu Dhabi and Richard Mille as a means to support and nurture contemporary artistic talent.

Recognition from Richard Mille

Tilly Harrison, Managing Director for Richard Mille Middle East, referred to skadw- as a meaningful interpretation of the Shadows theme. She highlighted its reflective artistry influenced by Japanese tradition, while appealing to a global audience, thereby aligning with the Prize's cross-cultural mission.

A Esteemed Selection Committee

The winner was chosen by a distinguished panel of five members:

• His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan — Chairman of Alliances for Global Sustainability and art collector

• Dr Guilhem André — Director of Scientific, Curatorial, and Collection Management at Louvre Abu Dhabi

• Maya Allison — Executive Director of the Art Gallery and Chief Curator at NYU Abu Dhabi

• Sophie Mayuko Arni — Exhibition curator and founding editor of Global Art Daily

• Yuko Hasegawa — Research Professor at Kyoto University and former Director of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

The panel commended the creativity exhibited by the shortlisted artists and the emotional and cultural nuances evident in their exploration of shadows.

Reactions from the Jury

Dr Guilhem André remarked that artists interpreted shadow in diverse ways—materiality, memory, architecture, and emotion. He acknowledged the shortlist as a representation of the artistic richness found in the Gulf region and beyond.

Sophie Mayuko Arni noted that skadw- resonated strongly with visitors of all ages, making it one of the most frequented installations during the exhibition. She praised the integration of technology and new media to craft significant emotional experiences.

Ryoichi's Reflections

Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Kurokawa discussed how his work merges fog, sound, and light to allow shadows to define the space. He aspired for visitors to experience how darkness and emptiness could take on almost a tangible quality, guiding their senses through what remains unseen.

He extended thanks to Louvre Abu Dhabi and Richard Mille for establishing an environment conducive to artistic creativity.

Robust Participation in the Prize

The fifth iteration of Art Here witnessed over 400 submissions from:

• GCC artists

• Japanese artists

• MENA region artists with GCC connections

The artists shortlisted for 2025 included:

• Ahmed Alaqra

• Jumairy

• Ryoichi Kurokawa

• Hamra Abbas

• Rintaro Fuse

• YOKOMAE et BOUAYAD (duo)

The selected works are on display at Louvre Abu Dhabi until 28 December.

A Flourishing Artistic Platform

Over the years, Art Here has emerged as a vital platform showcasing contemporary art from both the region and beyond, featuring various artistic mediums, styles, and viewpoints. This initiative fosters cultural exchange while connecting artists from the GCC, MENA region, and Japan.

The partnership between Louvre Abu Dhabi and Richard Mille represents a unified vision to promote artistic excellence, nurture emerging and established talents, and extend the frontiers of creative expression.

The Significance of This Award

The Richard Mille Art Prize holds importance for several reasons:

• it accelerates growth in contemporary art

• it highlights emerging cultural perspectives

• it fosters inter-regional cooperation

• it showcases artists working with new technologies and installations

This year’s focus on themes like shadows, absence, and perception inspired artists to consider new avenues and delve into profound meanings.

The 2025 Richard Mille Art Prize honors an artwork that transforms shadows into sensory experiences. Ryoichi Kurokawa’s skadw- offers a multidimensional journey with light, sound, and fog, crafting an atmosphere where shadows come to life. His insightful interpretation, cultural influences, and artistic accomplishment garnered him this accolade and $60,000 in prize money.

The award fortifies cultural connections between the UAE, the GCC, and Japan, further establishing Louvre Abu Dhabi as a worldwide center for contemporary art.

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