Matthew Ritchie creates work that is a cross between drawing, installation, and painting; it is a manifestation of the artist’s personal cosmology. In additive, collage-like compositions that cover canvases but may also spill over onto walls and ceilings, the handwritten act of painting is linked with virtual planes that seem to be computer-generated. Symbolism drawn from both private and public (computer) worlds yields a complex, inextricably interwoven vision in which the beholder can “surf” at will.

In addition to the cash prize, Baloise acquires a group of works by the award winners and donates them to two important European museums. Matthew Ritchie's work Abraxas 2000 was presented to the collection of the Hamburger Kunsthalle.

Gallery: c/o Gerhardsen, Oslo, Norway

Jury members:
Heinz Ackermans, collector, London / Xanten; Bernhard Bürgi, director of the Kunsthalle Zürich; Madeleine Grynsztejn, conservator at the Carnegie Museum of Art and curator of the 99/00 Carnegie International Exhibition, Pittsburgh; and Martin Schwander, independent art consultant of Bâloise, Chairman of the jury.