Orlando Museum of Art announces winner of $20,000 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art

This past weekend, the Orlando Museum of Art announced the winner of their signature exhibition, the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art, during their opening party on Friday night.

The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) has announced Yanira Collado as the winner of the prestigious $20,000 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art for 2024.

The prize is underwritten by Gail and Michael Winn, and this year’s winner was chosen by Juror Timothy Brown, the director of IA&A at Hillyer in Washington, D.C. This annual award celebrates and recognizes outstanding artists who live and work in the state of Florida, highlighting the exceptional talent and creativity flourishing within the region.

This year’s exhibition featured 10 artists whose work spans a diverse range of mediums and themes, reflecting the rich cultural landscape of contemporary art in Florida. The winner was selected based on their innovative approaches and profound contributions to contemporary art.

Cathryn Mattson, CEO of the Orlando Museum of Art, expressed her enthusiasm for this year's winner, “We are incredibly proud to honor Yanira Collado with the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art. Her works are not only visually stunning but also deeply thought-provoking, offering unique perspectives that challenge our perceptions. The Orlando Museum of Art is committed to supporting and celebrating the artistic talents that make Florida a vibrant cultural hub, and this year’s winner exemplifies the very best of what our state has to offer.”

Yanira Collado, known for her intricate installations and mixed-media works that explore themes of memory, history and cultural identity, shared her gratitude upon receiving the award. “I am deeply honored to be recognized by the Orlando Museum of Art with the Florida Prize.” She added, “This award is a testament to the power of art to communicate and connect, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my work with a wider audience. I hope my pieces inspire viewers to reflect on their own histories and the shared narratives that bind us together.”

Orlando-based artist, Njeri Kinuthia won the People’s Choice Award and a $2,500 prize. Her vibrant multi-media works that employ culturally significant fabrics and explore the complexities of identity, also received high praise from the museum and the arts community. Her work continues to captivate audiences with its bold colors and evocative storytelling.

The Florida Prize exhibition, curated by Cottrell-Lovett Chief Curator Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, will be on display at the Orlando Museum of Art through August 25, 2024. Visitors are encouraged to experience the diverse and dynamic art that this year's finalists have to offer.

For more information about the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art and upcoming events at the Orlando Museum of Art, please visit www.omart.org or contact the museum at (407) 896-4231.

About the Orlando Museum of Art:

Founded in 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art is a leading cultural institution in the Southeast, dedicated to inspiring creativity, passion, and intellectual curiosity by connecting people with art and new ideas.

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