Monia Ben Hamouda, a Milanese artist born in 1991, has won the fourth edition of the MAXXI BVLGARI Prize with her work, Theology of Collapse (The Myth of Past) I-X (2024).
The selection was made by a prestigious jury that included, among others, Francesco Stocchi, Artistic Director of MAXXI; Nicolas Bourriaud, Artistic Director of the 15th Gwangju Biennale (South Korea); Andrea Lissoni, Artistic Director of Haus der Kunst in Munich; and Ute Meta Bauer, Artistic Director of the 2024 Contemporary Art Biennale in Diriyah (Saudi Arabia). All jury members were unanimously captivated by Monia’s work, which now officially becomes part of the permanent collection of the Roman museum. The jury highlighted, in particular, “her ability to engage with the museum space and interact with materials, integrating the use of contemporary and traditional technologies. For the determination and rigor in her work, which marks a significant moment of growth in her artistic research. For addressing the collapse of our times with depth through an unusual and evocative approach. The jury’s prize goes to Monia Ben Hamouda.
“Theology of Collapse (The Myth of Past) I-X” consists of ten laser-cut iron panels inspired by Islamic calligraphy and mosque architecture. The panels, decorated with spices such as paprika, hibiscus, and cinnamon, are installed on the back wall of the gallery, creating a visual effect that evokes a sense of collapse. With this work, the artist not only celebrates the fusion of tradition and innovation but also invites the audience to reflect on the meaning of identity and memory in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. A recognition, therefore, that rewards not only the aesthetic quality but also the conceptual depth of the Milanese artist, who reached the finals alongside Giulia Benassi and Binta Diaw.
The announcement of the winner of this now-iconic prize, established to promote emerging talents, also served as an opportunity to present the new BVLGARI American Academy in Rome Fellowship, in collaboration with MAXXI and the Whitney Museum in New York.
