Guerlain Art & Environment Prize 2024 Explores The Myriad Relationships Between Artistic Creation And The Environment.
@Guerlain x @Lee Ufan Arles art center / @LVMH luxury group
To celebrate the first anniversary of the Lee Ufan Arles art center, founded by South Korean artist Lee Ufan, the center has partnered with Guerlain to create the Art & Environment Prize. Each year the prize will be awarded to a project that explores the myriad fertile relationships between artistic creation and the environment, with an international scope.
In a beautiful initiative that celebrates the harmonious relationship between art and the environment, Guerlain and Lee Ufan Arles have joined hands to create the Art & Environment Prize. The award, which will be bestowed annually, aims to recognize and support projects that explore the fertile connections between artistic creativity and environmental consciousness on an international scale. This collaboration marks the first anniversary of the Lee Ufan Arles art center, which was founded by renowned South Korean artist Lee Ufan.
The shared ethos of Guerlain and Lee Ufan emphasizes the importance of promoting and preserving artistic craftsmanship, while also championing the significance of the arts and environmental stewardship. The two partners envision this prize as a catalyst for inspiring artistic endeavors rooted in altruism and environmental responsibility, fostering a fresh dialogue between artists and nature.
At the heart of this initiative lies the intersection of Lee Ufan’s artistic practice and Guerlain’s longstanding dedication to the natural world. Lee Ufan, whose artistic journey has traversed three cultures—South Korean, Japanese, and European—eschews a self-centered approach to art. Instead, he seeks to establish a profound connection with the outside world, placing paramount importance on the environment in his artistic quest.
“I’m not looking to verbalize the world or appropriate it, but to be connected to it, to perceive it.”— Lee Ufan
Guerlain, known for its intimate bond with nature, has engaged in multiple partnerships and initiatives through the Guerlain for Bees Conservation Program. The Maison has revered bees since the inception of its iconic Bee Bottle in 1853 and has made the protection of these vital creatures a cornerstone of its commitments.
“Our aim is to go even further in our commitment to the bees that inspire our creations and guide our actions. This is a fundamental objective for the House. What’s more, protecting bees figures at the very heart of our Raison d’Être.”— Gabrielle Saint-Genis Rodriguez, President and CEO of Guerlain.
The inaugural Art & Environment Prize is open to artists worldwide, irrespective of their artistic discipline, age, or qualifications. Guerlain and Lee Ufan Arles encourage artists from diverse backgrounds to participate, inviting them to submit their projects for consideration via an online form.
By creating this esteemed prize, Guerlain and Lee Ufan Arles exemplify their commitment to fostering a world where art and the environment coexist harmoniously. This collaboration serves as an inspiration to the global artistic community, inviting artists to engage in a deeper connection with nature through their creative endeavors. As the prize continues to honor exceptional projects each year, it is poised to cultivate a new generation of artists who champion environmental consciousness and altruism through their craft. The Art & Environment Prize stands as a testament to the transformative power of art and the potential it holds in reshaping our relationship with the natural world.
