backstory: Award winning

Trained in history, political science, and photography, Barrada lives and works in Tangier.  There, Barrada can move freely from the tip of North Africa to Spain, less than 10 miles away across the Strait of Gibraltar, because she was born in Paris and has a European passport.  This literal right of passage is rare among the citizens of Tangier, most of whom can neither move from country to country within Africa, nor go to Europe. These rules of passage, defined by the cultural cartographies of place, and the historical narratives within which those cartographies were established and still exist, form the roots of Barrada’s artistic practice.   

Supporting the work of artists who tackle such big, timely ideas is at the heart of the Roy R. Neuberger Prize.  Founded by Roy, and stewarded since his passing by Helen Stambler Neuberger and Jim Neuberger, the Prize adheres to Roy’s vision as a collector of contemporary art devoted to supporting living artists.  Roy paid most attention to artists who he thought were creating visually interesting art and who he believed had something important to say. It is that vision that we use to guide us in the awarding of the Prize every other year. Nominated by committee, the artist selected is someone who we believe produces artwork in that same spirit.  I hope you will come and see the show, and in so doing celebrate with us the ways in which we can tackle the big questions of our time through art.