The Praamium Imperiale It is one of the most recognized international distinctions in the arts, honoring the overall work of important personalities in music, architecture, painting, sculpture and theater/cinema. Although it is not as widespread to the general public as the *Nobel Prize *, its awarding to a creator reflects its excellent contribution to the field.

The prize is awarded by Japanese Art Association since 1989 and has been considered one of the most important art awards in the world. The personalities who receive it have proven to have both artistically and socially affected their field of action.

This year’s award -winning and the ceremony in Tokyo

The Praemium Imperiale 2025 awarded to the influential artist Marina Abramovic (Sculpture), Peter Dowing (painting), Portuguese architect Eduarto Duta de Moura, Hungarian Pianist Andras Sif (music) and choreographer Anne Teresa de Keresmeker (theater/cinema). Each category is accompanied by a cash prize of about 90,000 euros.

The awards ceremony will take place in October in Tokyo, in the presence of distinguished representatives of art, politics and diplomacy, as well as members of the imperial family. The award is under the auspices of Prince Hitaci, brother of the honorary Emperor Akihito.

Marina Abramovich: Pioneer at Performance Art

This year’s distinction Marina Abramovicborn in 1946 in Serbia by parents of Partisans, gained special importance to the art world. It is worldwide recognized as one of the most decisive figures in modern *performance art *, always seeking to break with established forms, exploring the limits of body and endurance, and highlighting human experience.

Abramovich studied and taught good arts in Serbia, and then transferred her creative activity first to the Netherlands and then internationally. Her cooperation with the Ulaiboth as an artist and as a partner, he was catalytic, forming a new artistic language focusing on physicality and emotional proximity.

Its works and exhibitions have been presented in leading museums worldwide. In 1997 he was awarded with Lion’s gold In Venice’s Biennale for the Balkan Barroquean visualized performance inspired by the Balkan identity. The awarding of Praemium Imperiale in Abramovich is a loud recognition of its contribution to contemporary art.

International prestige and process of selection

The winners of the prize are selected by international committees, with personalities from countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Italy, the US and Japan. From Germany, it is worth mentioning the important advisory role of former President Richard von Weicker.

The choice is mainly based on the *cultural influence that has been exerted over time *, regardless of national origin or artistic approach.

In the past, Praemium Imperiale has been awarded, among other things, to Sindy Sherman (painting), Reich Steve (music), Norman Foster (architecture) and Yo (Theater/cinema). Many honors have caused discussions or raised timely social issues through their works.

Representations & criticisms

Among the awardees are also included German artists Like Gerhard Richter, Anselm Kieifer, Rebecca Horn, Pig Bao, Fry Otto, comfortable wise Mutter and director Wim Wenders. However, the award has been criticized for the limited participation of creators from Africa and Latin America, despite its international character.

Indicatively, 2017 was honored by Youssou Dour (Senegal, music) and the sculptor El blur (Ghana), while in 2023 the architect Francis Kere (Burkina Faso). From Asia the Korean painter stands out Lee (Award in 1993) and Anis Capour, born in Mumbai, who was awarded in 2011 for his monumental sculptures.

Curated by: Maria Rigoutsou