Annika Larsson exploits a wide spectrum of formulas in her video DOG, 2001, which are familiar from action films and commercials: sequences that are disturbing, heighten suspense and generate suspicion and speculation – but the story itself eludes the artist. She links demimonde and bourgeoisie in a pathos of emptiness. Men – machos and impotent at once – celebrate gestures, movements and acts, represented with a sharpness and precision that focus all the senses on one point. Every movement made by her two players, every shot and every cut communicate the meticulous direction of the artist. No matter how close the close-ups, the figures are infinitely remote; no matter how direct their frontality, they are inscrutably impenetrable. With Annika Larsson, who just finished her studies in Stockholm last year, a young artist has been singled out whose photographic and video works stage the nightmare of a complete loss of meaning.

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 Annika Larsson were presented to the collection of the S.M.A.K. Gent, Belgien.

Gallery: Andréhn-Schiptjenko, Stockholm, Sweden

Jury members:
Maria de Corral, Director, Contemporary Art Collection, Fundación „La Caixa“, Barcelona and Madrid; Susanne Ghez, Director, The Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago, and Co-Curator of the Documenta XI, Kassel; Christoph Heinrich, Curator of the Galerie der Gegenwart, Hamburger Kunsthalle; Jan Hoet, Director, Stedelijk Museum Voor Actuele Kunst, Gent and Martin Schwander, Fine Art Advisor of the Bâloise, Chairman of the jury.