Cassio Markowski Clinches Prestigious Sovereign Portuguese Art Prize

Portuguese artist Cassio Markowski has been awarded the 2023 Sovereign Portuguese Art Prize, receiving €25,000 for his artwork titled Conselhos para meu eu quando jovem (‘Advice to my younger self’). This accolade marks a significant milestone in Markowski’s career, celebrating his contributions to contemporary art in Portugal.

Key Takeaways

Cassio Markowski wins the 2023 Sovereign Portuguese Art Prize.
The winning artwork is titled Conselhos para meu eu quando jovem.
Markowski receives a €25,000 prize.
The Finalists’ Exhibition is open to the public until December 16.
Proceeds from the sale of shortlisted artworks will support expressive arts programs for disadvantaged children in Portugal.

The Prize and the Artist

The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) announced on November 28 that Cassio Markowski had been named the winner of the 2023 Sovereign Portuguese Art Prize. Born in Brazil, Markowski has a multimedia practice that delves into family relationships and cultural constructions in Brazil. His work often utilizes archives, image banks, and various materials to explore these themes.

Markowski expressed his gratitude, saying, “I feel very happy and excited to receive this important and respected award that crowns work that I began in these lands eight years ago.” He also thanked his family, friends, and gallery, This is Not a White Cube, for their support.

Judging and Exhibition

Nominations for the Prize were made by a board of 25 independent arts professionals, including curators, collectors, and academics. Nearly 200 entries were received, and 30 artists were shortlisted by a panel of seven expert judges. The Finalists’ Exhibition, featuring the work of these 30 artists, is on display at the Sociedade Nacional de Belas-Artes in Lisbon until December 16.

Sales and Fundraising

All shortlisted artworks, except the Grand Prize Winner’s work, are available for purchase, with prices ranging from €2,500 to €20,000. The proceeds will be split equally between the artists and SAF, funding expressive arts programs for children in need in Portugal. SAF Founder and Sovereign Group Chairman Howard Bilton emphasized the dual aims of the prize: showcasing the best of Portuguese art and raising funds to help disadvantaged children.

Public and Students’ Prizes

Visitors to the Finalists’ Exhibition and online viewers can vote for their favorite artwork, with the most popular artist receiving the Public Vote Prize of €2,000. Simultaneously, the SAF Students’ Prize Portugal 2023 is being judged, highlighting the importance of art in education. Secondary schools across Portugal nominated their best art students, and the top 30 artworks are being exhibited alongside the Sovereign Portuguese Art Prize finalists. These students’ artworks are also available for purchase through a silent auction, with proceeds split between the students and SAF.