During a significant event in Nikko, Japan, Louvre Abu Dhabi and luxury watch brand Richard Mille unveiled Japanese artist Ryoichi Kurokawa as the recipient of the Richard Mille Art Prize's fifth edition. His artwork titled skadw- was chosen from among the shortlisted entries at the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Art Here 2025 exhibition. Alongside this prestigious title, Kurokawa earned a cash reward of US $60,000.
The piece skadw- delves into the concept of “Shadows.” Instead of simply depicting shadow as a byproduct of light, Kurokawa investigates it as an influential factor in how individuals perceive their surroundings.
The installation incorporates:
light
sound
drifting fog
A delicate ray of light travels through layers of fog, crafting shapes that vanish and reappear. This dynamic display renders shadows tangible and real, forming a serene, dream-like atmosphere that invites visitors to contemplate voids, silence, and tranquility.
Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Ma, which cherishes the importance of space between objects and moments, Kurokawa constructs an environment where the absent becomes significant and shadows take on a nearly corporeal essence.
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, commended Kurokawa’s innovative and emotive approach. He remarked that the artwork displays exceptional depth and craftsmanship, noting that this year's submissions were of outstanding quality and effectively engaged audiences.
Rabaté further recognized the enduring collaboration with Richard Mille, which fosters the growth of contemporary artists and stimulates fresh perspectives in the art scene.
Tilly Harrison, Managing Director of Richard Mille Middle East, expressed that skadw- offered a profound interpretation of the theme of Shadows, bridging traditional Japanese artistry with a broader global narrative that embodies the Prize's cross-cultural objectives.
The selection was made by a distinguished panel of five experts:
His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan — Chairman of Alliances for Global Sustainability, Founder of UAE Unlimited, art collector, and influential board member of the British Museum and Centre Pompidou
Dr Guilhem André — Director of Scientific, Curatorial, and Collection Management at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Maya Allison — Executive Director of the Art Gallery and Chief Curator at NYU Abu Dhabi
Sophie Mayuko Arni — Exhibition curator and founding editor of Global Art Daily
Yuko Hasegawa — Research Professor at Kyoto University and former Director of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
The jury commended the creativity of all nominated artists and the emotional and cultural richness in their portrayals of shadows.
Dr Guilhem André noted that artists interpreted shadow in various contexts — as material, memory, architecture, and emotion. He commented that the shortlist showcased the vast wealth of artistic concepts emanating from the Gulf and beyond.
Sophie Mayuko Arni remarked that skadw- was among the most frequented installations in the exhibition, creating meaningful connections across diverse visitor demographics. She highlighted the rising trend of utilizing technology and new media to forge impactful and emotional experiences.
Ryoichi expressed heartfelt appreciation for receiving the award. He explained that his creation, through fog, sound, and light, allows shadows to influence the space within itself. He aimed for visitors to experience the almost tangible nature of darkness and emptiness, guiding their senses and emphasizing the unseen.
He extended gratitude to both Louvre Abu Dhabi and Richard Mille for empowering artists and crafting a nurturing platform for creativity to flourish.
The latest installment of Art Here garnered over 400 submissions from:
GCC artists
Japanese artists
MENA region artists affiliated with the GCC
The finalists for 2025 included:
Ahmed Alaqra
Jumairy
Ryoichi Kurokawa
Hamra Abbas
Rintaro Fuse
YOKOMAE et BOUAYAD (duo)
These selected works will be exhibited at Louvre Abu Dhabi until December 28.
Over the years, Art Here has emerged as a vital platform for showcasing contemporary art from both regional and international artists. It presents a variety of mediums, styles, and viewpoints while facilitating cultural exchange among artists hailing from the GCC, MENA region, and Japan.
The partnership between Louvre Abu Dhabi and Richard Mille embodies a mutual aspiration: to encourage artistic excellence, nurture emerging and established talent, and expand the horizons of creative expression.
The Richard Mille Art Prize holds great importance for several reasons:
it fuels innovation in contemporary art
it amplifies emerging cultural voices
it fosters cross-regional collaborations
it brings attention to artists venturing into new media and installations
This year's focus on themes such as shadows, absence, and perception encouraged artists to explore innovative ideas and delve into deeper significances.
The 2025 Richard Mille Art Prize celebrates an artwork that transforms shadow into experience. Ryoichi Kurokawa’s skadw- transcends mere visuals—it offers a sensory exploration using light, sound, and fog to forge a realm where shadows come alive. His insightful interpretation, cultural homage, and artistic finesse earned him the esteemed $60,000 prize.
The award fortifies cultural connections among the UAE, the GCC, and Japan while enhancing Louvre Abu Dhabi’s standing as a pivotal center for contemporary art.
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