Irish-American artist Ellsworth Kelly and the Ulster Youth Orchestra were among the winners in the 12th Praemium Imperiale, the world’s largest arts awards. The Praemium Imperiale singles out artists in the five fields of Painting, Sculture, Architecture, Music, and Theatre / Film. It is among the most prestigious international honors for artists whose achievements are in fields not covered by the Nobel Prizes.
Ellsworth Kelly, who was awarded $140,000, is one of the most distinguished artists of his generation. A contemporary of Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, and Roy Lichtenstein, he developed a highly individual style of abstraction exemplified by the color panel paintings for which he is famous. His art has included painting, photography, graphic work, and sculpture.
The Praemium Imperiale awarded its Grant for Young Artists, approximately $47,000, to the Ulster Youth Orchestra. The grant is awarded annually to a group or institution that encourages young people in the arts. The funds will allow the UYO to undertake a major concert / study tour in England during August 2001.
The awards are presented by the Japan Arts Association. ♦
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