OTTAWA 鈥� Visual artist Divya Mehra has won the $100,000 Sobey Art Award.
The Winnipeg-based Mehra was named winner of the prestigious prize at a gala at the National Gallery of Canada.
Award jury chair Jonathan Shaughnessy describes Mehra鈥檚 work as 鈥渞esoundingly timely and sophisticated in addressing systems of cultural representation, production and authority.鈥澛�
She鈥檚 known for incorporating found artifacts and ready-made objects into art formats that include photo, video, film, sculpture, print, drawing, performance, installation and advertising.
A $25,000 prize went to each of four shortlisted artists 鈥� Krystle Silverfox, Azza El Siddique, Stanley F茅vrier and Tyshan Wright.
Artworks from all five artists are on view at the National Gallery of Canada until March 12, 2023.
Award organizers said Mehra鈥檚 works serve as 鈥渞eminders of the difficult realities of displacement, loss, neutrality and oppression.鈥�
鈥淗er approach is defined by its sharp wit, disarmingly playful allure, and attentiveness to language and esthetics,鈥� Shaughnessy said Wednesday in a statement emailed before the evening event.
鈥淗er most recent explorations turn towards issues of repatriation, ownership, and modes of cultural consumption that fundamentally implicate both institutions and their publics.鈥澛�
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 16, 2022.
The Canadian Press