The artists in competition are the following: Rebecca Bellantoni, Bhajan Hunjan, Onyeka Igwe, Zinzi Minott and Dominique White. All of them are under the age of 41, except for Bhajan Hunjan who was born in 1956.
Bina von Stauffenberg, chair of the jury, commented on the importance of such events: "Today, as women’s rights continue to be challenged, it could not be more urgent or relevant to ensure that women artists are championed, and heard on the world stage. For more than a decade, this unique prize has successfully enabled women-identifying artists at different stages of their careers to develop their potential in extraordinary ways. Through a six-month Italian residency and the resources to create a major new commission, it offers critical time, space and support." She said in a statement.
The Max Mara Art Prize for Women is an event held every two years with the collaboration of the Whitechapel gallery and aims at giving women the time and space to express their artistic vision.
The winner, who will be announced in spring 2023, will be awarded a six month residency in Italy, organised by Collezione Maramotti, tailored around her and her winning work. She will also get the opportunity to create a new project which will be presented at a solo exhibition at the Whitechapel gallery.
For the previous edition in 2020, Emma Talbot was the recipient of the coveted prize.
