The Helvetia Art Prize

The 2019 Helvetia Art Prize goes to Kaspar Ludwig (*1989). He holds a Master’s degree in fine arts from the Academy of Art and Design in Basel. In his artistic endeavours, Kaspar Ludwig works in a variety of media. In his award-winning work "Why should I buy pillows when All I want Is sleep" he presents a floor and sound installation comprising several pillow sculptures made of sheets of metal which are inflated with compressed air. The same sheets of metal are used at the Carrara quarry, where they are inserted into the cracks in the stone and filled with water in order to break off pieces of the marble under high pressure. The sculptures convey an ambivalence: on the one hand the pillow symbolizes peace, softness and comfort, on the other hand, they have the potential to explode as part of the creative process. The recording devices attached to the pillows capture the ambient noises and amplify them via a sound system, thus making it possible to experience latent energies. Kaspar Ludwig impressed the jury with this precise spatial installation and by combining everyday objects with poetry. Using concise interventions or minor shifts, he stages found everyday objects in a new and unfamiliar setting. By tracing their origin and artistic use his constant interest in cultural-historical phenomena becomes clear. Kaspar Ludwig’s work is very promising. The Art Prize aims to make a substantial contribution to promoting his artistic development.