Ahmed Umar takes souvenirs that have hardened into clichés and transforms them into poetic and spiritual forms, lined up like prayer beads in 15 different poses. He combines materials, such as wood, plaster, rubber or metal, to create smooth, handmade assemblages that seem to glide through one’s hands. In this way, Ahmed Umar demonstrates the complexity of Islam, the diversity of ways in which it is handed down and practiced in different regions, while at the same time drawing attention to the mistaken conviction that spirituality is confined to the written word.

In addition to the cash prize, Baloise acquires a group of works by the award winners and donates them to two important European museums. The works of Ahmed Umar were presented to the collection of the MMK, Museum für Moderne Kunst, Frankfurt.

Gallery: OSL contemporary, Oslo, Norway

This year’s jury includes: Karola Kraus, General Director MUMOK Vienna, Chair of the Jury (could not be present in person due to force majeure); Marie-Noëlle Farcy, Curator / Head of Collection MUDAM, Luxemburg; Susanne Pfeffer, Director MMK, Frankfurt, Uli Sigg, Swiss Collector and patron of the arts; Ann Demeester, Director Kunsthaus Zurich.

• Interview with Ahmed Umar at Art Basel 2024
• Conversation with the winners 2024
• MMK Museum für Moderne Kunst, Frankfurt
• Gallery: OSL contemporary, Oslo, Norway

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