Artprice Celebrates Brognon Rollin as Winners of the 2026 Marcel Duchamp Prize
Artprice Celebrates the Victory of Brognon Rollin
On October 22, 2026, a remarkable announcement was made at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris. Artprice by Artmarket, a long-time partner of the Marcel Duchamp Prize, proudly acknowledged the artistic duo of David Brognon and Stéphanie Rollin as the winners of this esteemed award. The announcement, made by Claude Bonnin, president of the ADIAF, coincided with the Paris Art Week, which has been notably affected by the premature closure of Art Basel Paris due to security concerns surrounding protests.
The Significance of the Prize
Founded in 2000 by the ADIAF and organized in collaboration with the Centre Pompidou, the Marcel Duchamp Prize plays a crucial role in promoting French art on an international stage. The prize is endowed with 90,000 euros, which includes 35,000 euros awarded to the laureate, recognizing four artists or artist collectives each year. Over the years, it has highlighted a diverse array of talents and artistic expressions, with previous winners such as Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster, Kader Attia, and Tatiana Trouvé.
The Winning Installation: '5,376 Years'
Brognon Rollin’s installation, titled '5,376 Years', artfully assembles sobriety tokens collected since 2022. These tokens, often given in support groups to represent milestones in an individual’s journey towards sobriety, come together to form a poignant narrative about the experience of abstinence and human resilience.
In the dimly lit space, four carnival machines precariously balance these tokens, symbolizing the fragility of recovery journeys. The tokens do not fall, reflecting the ongoing struggle and the perseverance required to maintain sobriety. Additionally, three light fixtures respond to Kate, an individual who has maintained sobriety for eight years, adjusting their brightness based on her real-time experience. This creates a dynamic interplay between the artwork and real human lives, emphasizing the very essence of existence.
A Nod to Marcel Duchamp
Claude Bonnin highlighted the direct connection between Brognon Rollin’s work and Marcel Duchamp's artistic legacy. Duchamp famously changed the art game through his ready-mades, where he shifted the context and meaning of objects. In Brognon Rollin’s work, everyday items are repurposed to invite contemplation on human vulnerability, endurance, and mortality.
In reflecting on their artistic philosophy, Stéphanie Rollin stated, "Our primary material is the human experience." Their installation invites viewers to engage in a deeper understanding of the emotional narratives woven into everyday objects.
Art and Technology: A Dialogue
Artprice also used this opportunity to explore the intersection of art and technology. The exhibition surfaces questions about the creative process, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence. In his book, Dialogue between a Thinker and AI, Thierry Ehrmann, CEO of Artprice, engages with AI to interrogate the essence of creativity and human intent in artistic endeavors.
This dialogue raises questions about authorship, intention, and the essence of creativity in our increasingly technological world. As both Brognon Rollin and Ehrmann explore different aspects of human experience and expression, they converge in their commitment to making art that reflects the complexities of life.
Visiting the Exhibition
The exhibition featuring all nominated artists for the 2026 Marcel Duchamp Prize is available for public viewing at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris until February 7, 2027. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the themes of human experience and artistic expression that are central to this year’s prize.
Overall, the recognition of Brognon Rollin represents not just a celebration of their artistic achievements but also highlights the ongoing significance of human experience in the realm of contemporary art. As the art world continues to evolve, it is essential to acknowledge the profound contributions of artists who challenge, inspire, and invite reflection on human existence.