The Kooples, a well-known fashion brand based in Paris, is embarking on a new venture into the world of contemporary art with the introduction of The Kooples Art Prize. This annual competition aims to promote and showcase the work of emerging artists on the international art scene. Following a rigorous selection process, Gaby Sahhar and Kim Farkas were announced as the winners of the first edition of the prize.
The winning artworks will be exhibited in Paris next fall at The Kooples’ recently opened flagship store on the prestigious Champs Elysées. Furthermore, they will be the centerpiece of an exhibition at the Musée d’art contemporain du Vallée de Marne in the summer of 2023. This collaboration between fashion and contemporary art signifies an exciting new direction for The Kooples.
Capucine Safyurtlu, the creative director of The Kooples, expressed her enthusiasm for this project, stating, “The flagship store on the Champs-Elysées will not only showcase our new creative impetus as a fashion brand, but it will also serve as a platform for the dialogue with contemporary art, enabling us to tell a more impactful story that pushes the boundaries of radicality and creativity.”
In addition to the immense exposure provided by the flagship store and the museum exhibition, the prize package includes €28,000 in prize money, artists’ fees, a research residency at Maison Artagon, and dedicated professional support. This comprehensive support system aims to empower the winners and help elevate their artistic careers.
Gaby Sahhar, a French-Palestinian artist based in London, works with a variety of mediums including ink, paint, video, and installations. Sahhar is also the founder of LGBTQIA+ Queerdirect, a network that supports artists. For the Kooples Art Prize, Sahhar created a multi-sensory piece that draws inspiration from the works of Otto Dix, futuristic manga, and video clips.
Kim Farkas, a French-American artist of Peranakan descent, resides in Paris and is an alumnus of the prestigious Ecole des Beaux-Arts. Farkas is also the founder of Holoholo Books, a publishing house. His submission for The Kooples Prize consisted of oblong envelopes adorned with reflections of toxic preciousness.
Established in 2008 by the Elicha brothers, The Kooples joined the Swiss group MF Brands in 2019. In 2021, Marie Schott, a former director of Etam and the founder of Ana Shaf, took over as the brand’s manager. Her mission is to guide the brand into its next phase by bringing about a shift away from its rock identity of the past while embracing a sense of irreverence.
The Kooples Art Prize marks an exciting new chapter for the brand as it expands its horizons into the realm of contemporary art and dedicates itself to supporting emerging artists. This initiative undoubtedly brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to the creative endeavors of The Kooples.
Useful links:
– The Kooples Art Prize Official Website
– Musée d’art contemporain du Vallée de Marne Official Website
