On February 09, illy caffe announced the winners of illy Prize. This prize is aimed at celebrating the most innovative artist of Art Rotterdam, thė international art fair of the Netherlands and was awarded for the seventh time. This prize symbolizes illy’s commitment to innovation and originality in art which can be put into reality by supporting new talents.

Due to the high quality of all the nominated works, the contest jury chose two winners. Amalia Pica of Argentina represented by Diana Stigter gallery and Erkka Nissinen of Finland whose works were represented by by gallery Ellen de Bruijne Projects were chosen out of 5 nominees as the most innovative artists of 2011. Each of the winners was awarded with the cash prize of €10,000 during the Art Rotterdam press conference.

The jury of the illy Prize consisted of Roos van Put (editor Kustbeeld), Daniela Petovic (conservator KPN Collection), Xander Karskens (curator at De Hallen, Haarlem) and Carlo Bach (creative director illycaffè).

Image: www.illy.com, Amalia Pica. Moon Golem

Jury report:
«In content and social historical field a strong work of art. A frame with poetic ambition. Amalia Pica has the talent to bridge both cultural as geographical differences with a light touch of humor. “What you see is what you get”and more. A layered, intelligent piece of art.»

Image: www.illy.com, Erkka Nissinen. Rigid Regime

Jury report:
«An artistic production combined with both absurd as grotesque elements. Rigid Regime is an essential  and personal piece of work. According to the jury, the strongest  and most appreciated part of the video is the element of surprise; the secret and ending of the movie is not directly revealed what makes the video surprising and renewing.»