Congratulations are in order to Ryan Gander, the talented artist won the first-ever $20,000 Pommery Prize.
His artwork Het Spel (My neotonic ovoid contribution to Modernism), 2019, presented by Lisson Gallery was chosen among 9 artists in this year’s edition of Platform, curated by Sally Tallant, Executive Director of the Queens Museum in New York.
When asked about his creation, Gander explained, “It is the color of impossible, immeasurable opportunity… and it happens to be Pommery blue! It is an attempt to reimagine history. What would the works of Georges Vantongerloo looks like if the artist was alive today?” Het Spel (the game) and my neotonic (juvenile) is “my playful ovoid contribution to Modernism.” explains Ryan Gander.
In addition to the $20,000 award, which will be shared between the artist and the presenting gallery, Ryan Gander will have an opportunity to create a new work for an exhibition at Champagne Pommery in Reims, France.
As guests toast to the award-winning art piece, Nathalie Vranken, owner of Champagne Pommery, told attendees, “We are thrilled to sponsor the Armory Show again and to enhance our continued commitment to the art world and carry on the legacy of Madame Pommery.” She continued, “We look forward to welcoming Ryan to the domaine to find inspiration and be able to showcase his artwork among the existing collection.”
The jury for the 2019 Pommery Prize included: Nathalie Vranken, Owner, Champagne Pommery, and art-world connoisseur and patron; Sandra Hegedüs, Collector and Founder of SAM Art Projects; and Marie Griffay, Director of FRAC Champagne-Ardenne.
Cheers to the Ryan Gander and The Armory Show!
Photos: Tiffany Loria