Ashfika Rahman won the Future Generation Art Prize 2024, the seventh edition of the global art prize for artists under 35, established by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation in 2009. The international jury announced the winner at the award ceremony on October 29 in Kyiv.
Ashfika Rahman (35, Bangladesh) received a total of 100,000 USD: 60,000 USD as a cash prize and 40,000 USD to fund their artistic practice. An additional 20,000 USD was awarded to Special Prize winners Tara Abdullah Mohammed Sharif (27, Iraq), Bekhbaatar Enkhtur (29, Mongolia), Dina Mimi (29, Palestine), Hira Nabi (36, Pakistan), Ipeh Nur (30, Indonesia), Zhang Xu Zhan (35, Taiwan).
Rahman’s winning work for the PinchukArtCentre employs photography, prints, text, and sculpture to examine the role of women in society. Often working with communities, Rahman articulates stories that have been historically silenced in Bangladesh, where Rahman is based, and globally. Drawing inspiration from territories divided and renegotiated by geopolitical powers, Rahman’s work demonstrates a commitment and focus on the ideals of community building and repair in the face of collective trauma.
The winners were selected by the prize’s esteemed international jury, which includes notable figures such as Cecilia Alemani, Curator of *The Milk of Dreams*, 59th International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale (2022); Björn Geldhof, Artistic Director at the PinchukArtCentre; Diane Lima, an Independent curator, writer, and influential Black feminist voice in Brazilian contemporary art; Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, Director and Chief Curator of Haus der Kulturen der Welt; Alicia Knock, Head of the Contemporary Creation and Prospective Department at Centre Pompidou; Simon Njami, an Independent curator, lecturer, art critic, and novelist; and Hou Hanru, Art critic and former Artistic Director of MAXXI, the National Museum of 21st Century Arts in Rome.
The PinchukArtCentre in Kyiv is currently showcasing an exhibition of the 21 artists shortlisted for the 7th edition of the Future Generation Art Prize, running until January 19, 2025. This exhibition presents new works and recent projects from these artists, chosen from over 12,000 entries spanning nearly 200 countries. The works reflect diverse cultural viewpoints and artistic practices, aiming to address critical contemporary issues through art in Kyiv.
Founded in 2009 by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, the Future Generation Art Prize is an internationally recognized biennial award for contemporary artists aged 35 or under. By supporting innovation and artistic expression, the prize upholds Ukraine’s vital connection to the global arts community.
According to e-flux, Ashfika Rahman addressed the audience: “This award feels particularly meaningful, especially given the global political climate we’re going through. Future Generation Art Prize offers a unique platform where voices can be heard openly, allowing us to be both expressive and politically engaged. This is a space where people from all over the world can speak freely.
I’m very grateful for the opportunity, and I want to thank everyone who has stood by me throughout my artistic journey. This award isn’t just a recognition of today—it holds lasting significance. I commend the courage of the organizers, who, despite numerous challenges, successfully created an open platform for expression. This edition of the award will serve as a remarkable example for the future of contemporary art. I would also like to emphasize that my exhibition is a collective effort, made possible by the community I work with, the curators and the entire team.”
