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Celebrating 25 Years of the Marcel Duchamp Prize

On October 23, 2025, Paris witnessed a momentous occasion as the prestigious Marcel Duchamp Prize reached its 25th milestone, honoring the talented artist Xie Lei. This acclaimed award, presented by the ADIAF (Association for the Diffusion of International Contemporary Art), serves not only as a beacon for contemporary art but also underlines the vibrancy and diversity of the French art scene.

Xie Lei was chosen from a select group of four exceptional nominees, each demonstrating unique artistic expressions that resonate with urgency and relevance. The award acts as a testament to the synergy of art, culture, and identity, reflecting the dynamic landscape of today's contemporary art world.

The Legacy of the Marcel Duchamp Prize

Initiated by a coalition of French collectors and the ADIAF, the Marcel Duchamp Prize was conceived 25 years ago to address the declining international visibility of French artists in the 1990s. It aims to bolster the promotion and representation of French art amidst the complexities of the contemporary art market. The award not only highlights significant contributions within the realm of modern art but also fosters an environment where artists can thrive on an international stage.

“Artprice by Artmarket is immensely proud to support ADIAF and the Marcel Duchamp Prize. As Paris solidifies its reputation as a leading hub for contemporary art, this award dramatically enhances the visibility of its artistic landscape,” stated Thierry Ehrmann, Founder of Artprice and President of Artmarket.com.

Celebrating the wealth of talent in French art, the nominees this year embodied a broad spectrum of creativity. Aside from Xie Lei, the finalists included Bianca Bondi, Eva Nielsen, and Lionel Sabatté, all of whom encapsulate the richness and dynamism inherent in the current French art scene.

Xie Lei: An Artist of Transformation

Xie Lei’s artwork traverses the realms of dream and reality, inviting viewers to slow down and engage with emotion-laden imagery. His paintings embody a profound introspection, heightened by literary and cinematic references that imbue a sense of depth and complexity. The judges praised his work for its singularity and critical relevance, thus affirming his position as a significant contemporary artist.

“Xie Lei’s canvases articulate the sentiments of the early 21st century, grappling with absence and vertigo, representing the complexities of modern life with compelling visual narratives,” expressed Fabrice Hergott, Director of the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris.

The Finalists: A Glimpse into Contemporary French Art

1. Bianca Bondi - An artist who transforms materials into poetic and spiritual commentaries on memory. Her installation, Silent House, blurs the lines between reality and dream, encapsulating the ephemeral nature of existence.
- Discover Bianca Bondi on Artprice

2. Eva Nielsen - Works with various media to explore the permeability of images and textures. Her layered artwork invites a duality of perception that challenges the boundaries between abstraction and representation.
- Discover Eva Nielsen on Artprice

3. Lionel Sabatté - Uses found materials to transform memory into physical presence. By collecting residues from contexts such as the Musée d'Art Moderne, his drawings conceptually bridge the past and present.
- Discover Lionel Sabatté on Artprice

The Future of the Prize

Having grown into a symbol of artistic excellence over the past quarter of a century, the Marcel Duchamp Prize stands alongside globally significant awards like the Turner Prize and Hugo Boss Prize. Each year, it not only rewards an artist but also propels their career, granting visibility within the international art community. Notable past winners have experienced dramatic growth in their recognition beyond France's borders.

Through the continued efforts of the ADIAF, the prize perpetuates a nurturing environment for artists while linking them to invaluable resources and networks, fostering opportunities for international exhibitions and residencies. As the art world evolves, the Marcel Duchamp Prize is committed to distinguishing artists who carry international ambitions and resonate with diverse audiences.

A New Venue, A New Era

This year’s edition was notably held at the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris instead of its traditional home at the Centre Pompidou, which is undergoing renovations. This shift has allowed for a reimagined presentation of the nominees’ works, providing a fresh context within which to appreciate their distinct artistic visions.

As the celebration of the 25th Marcel Duchamp Prize unfolds, it reinforces Paris’s role as a global art cornerstone while simultaneously nurturing the unique identities of its artists. This celebration not only recognizes past achievements but also illuminates pathways for future artistic expressions, akin to a living laboratory for creativity and innovation.

The exhibition showcasing the nominated artists is open to the public until February 22, 2026, offering art lovers a chance to engage with the transformative narratives presented through their works.