Jindřich Chalupecký Award 2015

The international jury selected the names of five finalists of the 26th year of the most prestigious Czech award for visual artists under 35. The works of the finalists were exhibited in the Pražák Palace of the Moravian Gallery in Brno. The Audience Award went to Lukáš Karbus, who was the only one to present himself as a painter.

Finalists

The 2015 Final includes Barbora Kleinhamplová, Vojtěch Fröhlich, Lukáš Karbus, Pavla Sceranková and Pavel Sterec.

Award Holder

The Award Holder of the 26th edition of Jindřich Chalupecký Award were selected Barbora Kleinhamplová. Working in various media ranging from video through installation to performance, she deals primarily with the position of man in a contemporary consumer society. ,,(Her) artworks reflect human group behavior in serving as a psychological critique of social spaces while confronting traditional spaces. Fragmenting space using different elements of social groups, the artist employs metaphorical approaches to human beings often suffering from anxiety." said Holly Block, head of the jury.

Kleinhamplová received a material award designed by Maxim Velčovský and 100.000 CZK for the realization of an exhibition, publication or another authorial project. The award further includes a six-week residency at New York’s prominent organization Residency Unlimited.

The Czech Centre Award, awarded for the first time according to the decision of the visitors of the Final 2015 exhibition, went to Lukáš Karbus. The winner of the audience award can choose a residency in the network of European Czech Centres.

Jury

The international jury was presided by Holly Block, renowned curator, and director of The Bronx Museum of the Arts in New York. The jury further comprised visual artist Jiří Kovanda, art theorist and director of the Slovak National Gallery Alexandra Kusá, Icelandic-born director of The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art in Oslo Gunnar B. Kvaran, art theorist and curator Pavlína Morganová, and curator and art consultant at Bottega Gallery and Shcherbenko Art Centre in Kiev Marina Shcherbenko. The jury newly included visual arts critic and curator Marek Pokorný, art manager of the Ostrava City Gallery PLATO and former director of the Moravian Gallery in Brno.

Exhibition

The Final 2015 exhibition, presenting the works by the latest award winner as well as by the other award finalists, was held at the Pražák Palace at the Moravian Gallery in Brno until January 17, 2016.

Award Ceremony

Kleinhamplová’s name was announced on November 20, 2015 evening during the award ceremony held at the Besední dům of the Brno Philharmonic. The ceremony was directed by Ivan Buraj. The ceremony was broadcasted by the Czech Television.