The House of Chanel, sponsor of the French Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale, presents the ten emerging creatives awarded the prestigious Chanel Next Prize, and unveils the artist Julien Creuzet and his work, the centerpiece of the Pavilion
Words DILETTA MARSILI
What would a world be without art? A world that would lose its magic, its artistic momentum, and the positive perspectives with which to view it. Highlighting those who continue to operate in the world of art with exciting novelties is a “social mission” aimed at improving society and those who comprise it. This is the key concept underlying the Chanel Culture Fund, a comprehensive program organizing initiatives to support new figures in the world of culture. The fund’s primary objective is to give voice, equally, to all those contributing to global change. Chanel commits to prestigious partnerships with some of the nerve centers of contemporary art such as the Leeum Museum of Arts in Seoul, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, the National Portraits Gallery in London, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Power Station of Art in Shanghai, to ensure that all different disciplines and narratives in the art world are put into dialogue, creating ideas that positively impact society. An important initiative of the House to promote operators in the world of culture is the Chanel Next Prize, established in 2021, an international recognition designed to provide creatives with the resources necessary to undertake new projects, experiment with new art forms, and initiate collaborations across distinct disciplines. “The CHANEL NEXT Prize was founded to amplify the work of artists who are making a difference and redefining their disciplines. Each is disrupting established practice across a multitude of cultural fields, from art and opera to cinema and game design. Watching their creative journeys will be thrilling.” These are the words of Yana Peel, Chanel’s global head of arts and culture, confirming how engaged the House is in the search for ever-different cultural expressions, drawing inspiration from Mademoiselle Gabrielle Chanel, who, in the same way, supported avant-garde artists of her time. Since 2021, a selection of ten artists is made each year, chosen by an anonymous committee composed of important personalities, representing various disciplines. The winners of the 2024 edition come from ten different places around the world, each with a totally unique approach to art. Tolia Astakhisvili, from Georgia, an interdisciplinary artist specializing in sculptural installations, Kantemir Balagov, Russian artist and filmmaker, Oona Doherty, Irish contemporary dance choreographer, Sam Eng, New York independent game designer, Ho Tzu Nyen, from Singapore, who divides his work between video and installations, Fox Maxy, from San Diego, visual artist and director, Moor Mother, American musician, poet, and visual artist, Dalton Paula, Brazilian artist and educator specializing in painting and photography, Anna Thorvaldsottir, Icelandic classical music composer, and Davòne Tines, American bass-baritone and theater actor. Each of these ten artists will receive a cash prize worth €100,000 and access to mentorship programs promoted by the House.
To celebrate the award, the winners attended the very elegant gala evening in honor of Julien Creuzet at Palazzo Malipiero in Venice, which only recently reopened the doors of its splendid halls. The guest list included prominent personalities such as Leena Nair Global CEO of Chanel, numerous Fund partners from around the world, and the evening’s protagonist: Julien Creuzet. The artist, a native of Martinique and also the first of Caribbean origin to represent his country at the International Art Exhibition of Venice, is the star feature of the Pavilion for which the Chanel Culture Fund is the main sponsor. Creuzet is an inspirer: a multidisciplinary artist and teacher, he skillfully moves between poetry, music, film, and animation. He is a talented creator of ready-made works and possesses an extraordinary insight into weaving together multiple cultural heritages. Entering the French Pavilion will be an extraordinary moment, as Creuzet’s art draws inspiration not only from the deep knowledge acquired as a professor at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts de Paris but also from his tireless willingness to explore the world and absorb everything he encounters along his path. The work created for the Biennale is titled “Attila cataracte ta source aux pieds des pitons verts finira dans la grande mer gouffre bleu nous noyâmes dans les larmes marées de la lune.” The appointment to unveil further details is set for April 20, when we can finally immerse ourselves in Creuzet’s art and be amazed by his genius.
