The 2025 Hyundai Blue Prize+ has named two curatorial teams as its distinguished winners. This prestigious award, initiated by Hyundai Motor Company, aims to bolster the evolving role of curators who are dedicated to exploring urgent contemporary themes, especially those relevant to Asia. Following a comprehensive selection process, the chosen teams will present their innovative exhibitions at Hyundai Motorstudio Beijing, receiving substantial funding to bring their visions to life.
Curatorial Excellence Recognized in Hyundai Blue Prize+ 2025
On November 26, 2025, the art world celebrated the announcement of the Hyundai Blue Prize+ 2025 winners, honoring two exceptional curatorial teams. This award, a flagship initiative by Hyundai Motor Company, was conceived to support and elevate curators who tackle pressing contemporary issues, particularly within the unique cultural landscape of Asia. The program, which commenced with an open call in July, attracted over 160 exhibition proposals destined for the prestigious Hyundai Motorstudio Beijing. A rigorous selection process narrowed these down to five shortlisted teams, who then engaged in an intensive curatorial program. This program included personalized mentorship and a research expedition to Beijing, culminating in the refinement of their final exhibition concepts. Ultimately, an esteemed international jury panel, comprising luminaries such as Jochen Eisenbrand of Vitra Design Museum, Carol K. Huh from the National Museum of Asian Art, Frances Morris, former director of Tate Modern, Christiane Paul of the Whitney Museum of American Art, and Philip Tinari from UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, selected the two winning teams.
Among the victors are Seoul-based curators Hyejin and Yoonyoung Park, whose compelling proposal examines artificial intelligence's reliance on natural resources and human labor. Their exhibition challenges audiences to contemplate the intricate coexistence between humanity and technology, particularly how emotions and identities are reframed as new forms of capital in the digital age. The second winning duo, Yifeng Wei and Penny Dan Xu, hailing from Dublin and London respectively, invites spectators into a collaborative journey to reimagine the future trajectories of modern technology. Their innovative approach seeks to foster engagement and dialogue around technological advancements. The jury panel lauded both teams for their 'fresh perspectives on contemporary technologies,' emphasizing the cultural urgency and thoughtful translation of their ideas into captivating gallery experiences. Each proposal, according to the jury, successfully integrated a convincing selection of works that perfectly encapsulated their unique exhibition concepts. The triumphant curatorial teams are slated to unveil their exhibitions at Hyundai Motorstudio Beijing between mid-2026 and early 2027, with each receiving 800,000 RMB (approximately $110,000 USD) to cover production costs, underscoring the prize's commitment to facilitating ambitious and impactful artistic endeavors.
The recognition of these curatorial talents by the Hyundai Blue Prize+ underscores the critical importance of art in navigating our increasingly complex technological landscape. It highlights how artistic expression can illuminate societal shifts and provoke crucial dialogues about our shared future. The prize serves as a powerful testament to the value of curatorial innovation in shaping cultural discourse and inspiring new ways of understanding the world around us.
