This year’s Hublot Design Prize has been won by Aqui Thami, an Indian artist and activist who aims to use her creations to gives the marginalised a voice and improve intercultural mediation.
She beat competition from six finalists, including America’s Germane Barnes, a Chicago-based architect who investigates stories of identity, colonisation and African cultural influences.
Hublot launched the international Design Prize in 2015, and encourages artists to use their chosen style to highlight social issues.
It acts as a springboard for young designers’ careers, while providing an international profile boost for the winner’s existing work.
The Hublot Design Prize jury chose Aqui Thami as the winner in recognition of the social impact of her work and her inspirational approach to it.
“A deep activist engagement is present in each of Aqui’s activities, ranging from graphic and social design to art and performance. The jury highlighted her fluid multidisciplinary practice, reflected in the performances, drawings, posters, zines (self-produced magazines) and artworks she creates,” the jury said.
The finalists of the Hublot Design Prize 2023:
Aqui Thami (1987), India
The Indian artist and activist gives the marginalized a voice, using art as a process of intercultural mediation. For Aqui Thami, art is there to introduce change, to imagine a different world.
Deema Assaf (1984), Jordan
A Jordan-based architect, Deema Assaf spans the fields of urban development and ecology, with the objective of developing sustainable solutions for landscaping, biodiversity and green infrastructure.
Gabriel Fontana (1993), France
Working for a more inclusive future, the Rotterdam-based designer uses design to create fun activities that question how we interact, deconstructing group dynamics.
Jibbe Van Schie (1998), Netherlands
Focused on the relationship between material and machine, this Eindhoven-based designer develops every stage in the production process, building various machine parts, creating software and assembling electronics.
Germane Barnes (1985), USA
This Chicago-based architect investigates the themes of stories of identity, colonisation and African cultural influences. His work studies the link between architecture and identity, examining the social and political effects of architecture.
Trifle Studio, London
The UK’s first multidisciplinary studio comprising artists and designers with handicaps or learning disabilities. Questioning preconceived ideas, their creative work includes fashion, textiles, illustration and deco.
