Hublot announces the winners of the 8th edition of the Hublot Design Prize, recognising committed design.
The Hublot Design Prize is an international competition initiated by Hublot in 2015 to recognize original design achievements. This prestigious award is open to designers under the age of 40 and does not confine itself to a specific design domain. In order to foster cultural diversity in the competition and celebrate the global richness of creativity, each member of the jury is tasked with selecting five candidates. The initial meeting of the jury each year is dedicated to selecting the finalists, who are then invited to present their design philosophy at the event. This serves as a launchpad for the careers of young designers and provides the winner with an international platform to showcase their existing work.
The latest edition of the Hublot Design Prize award ceremony occurred on October 2nd at the new extension of Kunsthaus Zurich, attended by the six finalists, the jury, and a select audience. The Hublot Design Prize 2023 has been bestowed upon Aqui Thami in acknowledgment of the profound social impact of her work and her inspiring approach to it.
A deep commitment to activism resonates in all of Aqui’s creative endeavors, spanning graphic and social design, art, and performance. The jury commended her versatile multidisciplinary practice, evident in her performances, drawings, posters, self-produced magazines (zines), and artworks.
Aqui is passionately dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in her local community in Mumbai. As an indigenous woman, her actions often lead her into challenging and risky situations. Nevertheless, she maintains a positive outlook and a strong awareness of the significance of education. As a testament to her commitment, she founded the Sister Library, which stands as the first feminist library in South Asia, entirely managed by the local community.
We heal in community, we heal together!
AQUI THAMI – HUBLOT DESIGN PRIZE 2023 WINNER
Gabriel Fontana is the recipient of the Pierre Keller Prize for his innovative use of sports as a means to redefine societal roles and norms. His work is driven by a mission to generate a positive influence, especially in challenging preconceived notions about identity and inclusion. In addition to this, Fontana engages in reshaping uniforms by designing non-stigmatizing attire tailored for sports and communal endeavors.
This year was amazing, given the variety and quality of the projects a new generation of hybrid designers is emerging, less focused on objects and more conscious of social and environmental issues.
HANS ULRICH OBRIST – PRESIDENT OF THE HUBLOT DESIGN PRIZE JURY
Hublot continues to underscore its dedication to creativity and innovation by celebrating the emergence of fresh design talents. This new generation demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing social context, as exemplified by our six finalists, who hail from diverse disciplines and backgrounds. The 2023 edition is marked by their philosophy of tackling societal challenges, environmental concerns, and promoting equality and inclusion. Hublot takes great pride in being a part of this movement through the Hublot Design Prize, which serves as both an endorsement and a supportive hand to the winners. In addition to the generous grant, this prize offers valuable media exposure.
The Hublot Design Prize does not impose specific age conditions; instead, it acknowledges candidates based on the consistency of their career, their motivation, and the overall quality of their work.
The finalists of the Hublot Design Prize 2023:
- Aqui Thami (1987), India
The Indian artist and activist gives the marginalised 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.
The Jury:
- Marva Griffin, the founder of Milan’s Salone Satellite, an international platform dedicated to young
designers - Hans Ulrich Obrist, artistic director of London’s Serpentine Gallery, a renowned art curator and
historian - Alice Rawsthorn, an influential design critic and author of numerous books on design
- Tawanda Chiweshe, a creative director and industrial designer, Alaska Alaska Studio