Earlier this month, Hypebeast joined the art world as they flocked to Art Basel Miami Beach. Checking out its prestigious showcases, events and exhibitions, this year’s edition also introduced the inaugural Art Basel Awards in partnership with BOSS.
With over 20 years of Miami Beach fairs, the awards brought a new tradition to the weekend-long schedule, recognizing artists, creators and other industry professionals in nine wide-ranging categories. Before the ceremony, 11 winners were handpicked from a shortlist of 36 medalists, each determined by the way they harness their craft to challenge the norms of the modern art scene, closely aligning to the Be Your Own BOSS platform celebrating trailblazers in sports, fashion, culture, and art.
As well as linking to its overarching ethos, BOSS’ sponsorship of the Art Basel Awards comes as the latest chapter of its 30-year arts sponsorship started with Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and Museum. Since 1996, it has been a key patron of the art world, using its platform in fashion to champion the visual arts, notably awarding prizes to US-based artist Simone Leigh and French multi-media artist Pierre Huyghe.
“Fashion is an integral part of our daily lives and serves as a bridge between individuals and society, often blurring the line between functionality and art,” shared creative director Marco Falconi on BOSS’ connection with the arts. “From the very start to our most recent fashion show, the BOSS Paradox, HUGO BOSS has been committed to fostering the dialogue between fashion and contemporary art, as it consistently inspires innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking ideas.”
To commemorate its long-standing activism, the awards ceremony at Miami World Center featured a dedicated installation tracing BOSS’ major art achievements. As well as highlighting its honorable prize winners, it also looked back on projects such as its production of James Rosenquist’s 1998 Paper Suit and the sponsorship of Jeff Koons’ Puppy at Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
The brand also presented the BOSS AWARD for Outstanding Achievement, which honors work with exceptional cultural impact across the art ecosystem. Celebrating creativity that is purpose-driven, socially relevant, and contributes to the artistic landscape of tomorrow, the award includes a $100,000 USD prize, with half dedicated to supporting a special project and the other half going to a community of the artist’s choice. After much deliberation, Moroccan sculptor Meriem Bennani was named the winner of the first BOSS AWARD for her quirky installations that cut through the noise of digital creativity.
In an official statement, she shared, “Supporting artists is vital to fostering creativity and amplifying new or emerging voices, and I’m grateful for this platform to further explore the power of art in sparking dialogue and connection. This recognition inspires me to continue creating work that challenges perspectives and celebrates the beauty of collective experiences.”
Follow Hypebeast to the debut Art Basel Awards in Miami in the video above. To find out more about BOSS’ latest developments in art, head to its website now.
