MUSLIM ART IN HAND OF AN ARMENIAN
Hurriyet
Friday, July 10, 2009 16:29
LONDON – Iranian born Afruz Amighi has won the new Jameel Prize for
her art titled "1001 Pages," with Sevan Býcakcý, a Turkish artist of
Armenian origin, named as one of nine finalists.
Hundreds of artists were competing for the Jameel Prize awarded
Tuesday. The prize, named after the late Saudi businessman Abdul
Latif Jameel, is a new international art award that was launched by
the Victoria & Albert Museum, or V&A, in London.
The award aims to raise awareness of the thriving interaction between
contemporary practices and the rich artistic heritage of Islam, and
to contribute to a broader debate about Islamic culture, in order to
provide an exchange between contemporary art and Islamic culture. The
prize, which will be awarded every two years, was presented at a
ceremony Tuesday at the museum.
The ceremony was attended by artists from various countries. Mark
Jones, director of the V&A, presented Afruz Amighi with her prize,
worth 25,000 pounds.
Býcakcý, who is known as the "Lord of the Rings" for his jewelry
designs, was listed as a candidate for the Jameel Prize by the British
Council in Istanbul in August. He was the only non-Muslim member
among the finalists. Býcakcý said he received a special invitation
from the museum and became one of nine finalists among 100 candidates.
"Sculptors and graphic designers reflecting the art of Islam in the
best way were among the finalists. They chose me in the field of
jewelry. This process started a few months ago. I chose the five
most special rings that I have never thought of selling for the
competition. The rings will be exhibited in Jameel Gallery for two
to three months and later on they will be on display for one year in
various museums in the Middle East, such as in northern Jerusalem,
Jordan and Egypt," Býcakcý said.
Býcakcý, who is one of the few well-known names in Turkey in jewelry
design, is known around the world. He won the American Jewelry Design
"Couture Design Award," which is regarded as the design Oscar, for
three successive years.