Indian artist Anish Kapoor to be awarded “Jewish Nobel†Prize
Among his famous works is the ‘Turning the World Upside Down’ sculpture at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.
The decision to award a Jewish, UK-based artist of Indian origin demonstrates recognition of Kapoor as one of the most influential and innovative artists of his generation. Kapoor’s art is a shining example of international and intercultural dialoge through art.
Awarding Kapoor the Genesis Prize of 2017 symbolically coincides with the celebration of 25 years of diplomatic relations between India and Israel and the inauguration of an exhibit of the Jewish community in India at the IGNCA.
The exhibition highlights the integration of the Jewish community into the fabric of Indian society in all aspects: culture, economy, education, science and politics.
At the opening event on Feb 5, Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar highlighted the Indian-Jewish bond and emphasizaed that the relations between the people of India and Israel far predates the 25 years we are celebrating now.
Ambassador Daniel Carmon stated that, “The Jewish community in India never experienced anti-Semitism nor persecution; instead it has served as a bridge between our people since antiquity and into modern times.”
On Kapoor’s award the ambassador added, “I congratulate Mr. Kapoor for winning the presitgeous Genesis Prize of 2017. Kapoor’s contribution to the world - both artistic and humanitarian – is deservedly celebrated.”
Beyond his contributions to the arts, Kapoor has a long history of social activism and a commitment to social justice. In this spirit, Kapoor intends to use his $1 million award to help alleviate the refugee crisis and try to expand the Jewish community’s engagement in a global effort to support refugees.
Established in 2012, the annual Genesis Prize has been dubbed by Time Magazine as the “Jewish Nobel”. The prize is awarded by the Genesis Prize Foundation, the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency. Previous laureates are Michael Bloomberg, Michael Douglas and Itzhak Perlman.
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