A new initiative of the Tàpies Foundation
The Tàpies Foundation has presented the first edition of the International Essay Award Gesture of Yesterday, Thought of Today. This award marks the beginning of a new stage and direction for the foundation, which aims to promote essayism and contemporary thought. This initiative is part of the collaboration with the Antoni Tàpies Chair at Pompeu Fabra University.
An award with a critical and rebellious approach
The prize has been awarded to the anthropologist and feminist Rita Segato, who has been selected from among four finalists. Segato has committed to writing an essay that is critical and rebellious. The prize’s advisory committee, made up of renowned experts in the field of art and contemporary thought, has established four thematic axes for the prize’s editorial line: materiality and affects, image theory, institutional criticism, and philosophy and political sociology.
A critical review of the Tapian universe
Rita Segato will approach the work of Antoni Tàpies from a feminist and critical perspective. In his essay, he will explore the relationship between Tàpies and his wife, Teresa Barba, and analyze how this relationship has influenced the painter’s work. Segato will seek to reinterpret the Tapian universe from a contemporary perspective and establish connections with today’s world. The aim is to question the genealogy of Tàpies and offer new perspectives on his work.
An opportunity for research and reflection
The award includes a three-week research residency at the Tàpies Foundation, with access to the painter’s archives and materials. In addition to the essay, the author will have the opportunity to publish her work and will receive an economic compensation of ten thousand euros. This award is a unique opportunity for Rita Segato to deepen her research and reflection on the work of Antoni Tàpies.
A contemporary look at the work of Tàpies
The director of the Tàpies Foundation, Imma Prieto, emphasizes the importance of reinterpreting Tàpies’ work from a contemporary perspective. According to Prieto, it is essential to understand that we cannot approach the works and the Tapian universe from the same context in which they were created. It is necessary to look for new layers of reading and interpretation, and to appreciate what makes Tàpies’ work unique. The aim is to appreciate his ability to challenge the public and established conventions.
A tribute to Antoni Tàpies
The International Essay Award Gesture of Yesterday, Thought of Today is also a tribute to Antoni Tàpies. The relationship between Pompeu Fabra University and the painter has always been close, and this award reaffirms this connection. Eva March, member of the prize’s advisory committee, emphasizes the importance of understanding the figure of Tàpies from an academic perspective and recognizing his legacy in the field of contemporary art and thought.
