Daiwa Foundation Art Prize 2009
Winner: Marcus Coates

The inaugural Daiwa Foundation Art Prize was awarded to the British artist, Marcus Coates, whose first solo exhibition in Japan was held at Tomio Koyama Gallery in Tokyo in November 2009.

The Prize-winner, Marcus Coates, exhibited the multi-screen video installation, Dawn Chorus, and the DVD, Intelligent Design. During his one-month stay in Japan, he was based at Tokyo Wondersite, took part in launch events at Tomio Koyama Gallery and at the British Embassy, and staged a performance at Roppongi Academy Hills.

“Winning the prize was fantastic, but spending time in Tokyo, exhibiting, performing and researching has proved to be invaluable. My immersion in Japanese culture and history has brought new and unforeseen influences to my work and the contacts I made through the Foundation have created opportunities in Japan. I will be returning to Tokyo later this year to exhibit and perform at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo.” Marcus Coates, winner of the Daiwa Foundation Art Prize.

Coates’ film, installation and performance art focuses on the relationship between humans and other species. His work has received international acclaim, having exhibited extensively worldwide and shown as part of the ‘Altermodern’ Tate Triennial at Tate Britain.

The prize was a resounding success, with nearly 900 applicants from across the UK. The prize, as well as providing a unique opportunity for artists wanting to establish themselves overseas, helps to further consolidate Anglo-Japanese relations in the arts. The short listed artists, which include Adam Dant and Bedwyr Williams, exhibited their work at the Daiwa Foundation Japan House Gallery in London from 15th June until 17th July.

The 2009 Judging Panel

Jonathan Watkins (Chair), Director of Ikon Gallery, Birmingham.

Mami Kataoka: International curator who works with both The Hayward Gallery, London and Mori Art Museum, Tokyo.

Tomio Koyama: Owner of Tomio Koyama Gallery and collector of major Japanese and international artists.

Joanna Pitman: Art Critic for The Times and former Times correspondent in Japan.

Edmund de Waal: Artist potter, curator, writer and Professor of Ceramics at the University of Westminster.

‘Coates has emerged as an artist with a distinct and extraordinary vision. He is making work now which is better than ever.’ (Jonathan Watkins, judging panel 2009)