Artprice Honors Brognon Rollin: Winners of the 2026 Marcel Duchamp Prize

On October 22, 2026, during the tumultuous Paris Art Week, Artprice by Artmarket celebrated the noteworthy duo Brognon Rollin as the winners of the 2026 Marcel Duchamp Prize. The announcement was made by Claude Bonnin, President of the Association pour la diffusion internationale de l'art français (ADIAF), at the esteemed Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris. This occasion introduced a significant dialogue around art, creativity, and human experience.

A Powerful Installation Reflecting Human Experience

Brognon Rollin's award-winning piece, titled "5,376 Years, 1,892 Months, 1,110 Days, 1,201 Hours," is a contemplative installation built around sobriety tokens that symbolize the struggle and perseverance associated with abstinence. Each token represents a milestone in the journey of recovery, serving as a powerful testament to the fragility and triumphs of human existence.

The installation cleverly incorporates carnival machines, which precariously hold the tokens, while wall lights respond to the experiences of an individual named Kate, who has been sober for eight years. This dynamic interplay creates a vivid atmosphere, echoing the rhythm of real human lives, and invites viewers to reflect on the profound themes of waiting, struggle, and vulnerability.

The Legacy of Marcel Duchamp

The choice of Brognon Rollin as winners aligns seamlessly with the legacy of Marcel Duchamp, a formative figure in conceptual art. His concept of the readymade, which transformed common objects into art by mere selection and presentation, resonates deeply within Brognon Rollin's work. The duo's approach transcends materiality, diving into the space between art and personal narrative, reminding viewers that the essence of art stems from deeper human experiences.

Bonnin described the connection between their work and Duchamp's philosophy, highlighting how Brognon Rollin's installation marries conceptual depth with human emotion. The Marcel Duchamp Prize, established in 2000, continues to advocate for diverse artistic practices and is increasingly seen as a vital indicator of contemporary artistic innovation in France.

A Platform for Continued Discussion

This year’s award comes amid challenges at Art Basel Paris, which faced early closures due to public demonstrations. Despite this, the Marcel Duchamp Prize ceremony stands as a cornerstone event during Paris Art Week, sparking discussions that will resonate long beyond the art fair.

With a total prize pot of €90,000, including €35,000 for the winner, the award supports emerging talents in the French art scene and promotes their works internationally through various exhibitions and residencies.

Looking Towards the Future

Artprice’s commitment to fostering dialogue around contemporary art goes beyond the award. The narrative around artistic creation also extends to the intersection of art and technology, as exemplified in their publication "Dialogue Between a Thinker and AI." This engaging project raises crucial questions regarding authorship and intent in the creative process in an age dominated by artificial intelligence. Just as Brognon Rollin’s art makes personal struggles accessible through shared experience, the partnership between human creativity and AI invites us to rethink how we convey and appreciate individual narratives.

Visitors to the exhibition can experience this captivating installation alongside the works of other shortlisted artists until February 7, 2027, at the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, free of charge. The artistic exploration and the essential questions posed by Brognon Rollin’s work remind us of the vital role human experience plays in the realm of creativity, encouraging viewers to engage with and reflect upon the narratives woven into the everyday fabric of life.