Finalists
Oaxaca, Mexico
Brotes de Jilotes
Ben Stephenson, Ice, soil, wood, seeds, 2025
Ottawa, Canada
Reduced Desire
Armand Diansambu, Sculptural painting and installation Acrylic and water on Dutch wax printed cotton, 105 cm x 40 cm (variable), depth 45 cm (variable), 2025
New York, United States
Bosque de Sal
Claudia Kaatziza Cortínez, Analogue pigment gum prints on arches paper, steel structure, Each print 23" x 36", total dimensions variable, 2025
Moscow, Russia
Ascension
Gleb Ivany, Sculpture, 64 × 55 × 22 mm, 2025
London, United Kingdom
Intertidal
Alexander Collinson & XinYue Ma, Ceramic, found material, video, audio, digital screens, cables, 40 × 200 × 200 cm, 2025
Longlist
The Jury on Camminare
Serving as a juror for Camminare was an inspiring experience that opened a window onto remarkable artworks from around the world through the spirit of Pope Francis’s message. I was deeply moved by the sensitivity and diversity of the artists’ perspectives. I am delighted to celebrate the awardees and will keep many of the participating artists in mind for future opportunities.
This year’s submissions were exceptional in depth, intention, and craft. For me, Camminare in relation to water speaks to movement and quiet persistence, one of life’s most fundamental qualities. It echoes the saying that calm waters reshape the world, a sentiment powerfully reflected in many of the works.
The overall standard of work submitted this year was remarkably high. I believe the vast majority of entries demonstrated a level of quality and engagement that would resonate with a wide audience in a gallery setting.
This year’s theme offered a rich and inspiring challenge. I saw it echoed in many submissions, though only a few expressed it with a sense of authenticity rather than literal interpretation. The works that rose to my top selections were those that articulated the theme with clarity, depth, and strong artistic professionalism. It is an uplifting theme for the world, and I believe these artworks will continue to inspire and carry its message forward.
Camminare resonates deeply with Henki Art’s mission to explore the diverse expressions of water and its role in shaping how we move through the world. Through the perspectives of international artists, we see Pope Francis’s words reflected in powerful and unexpected ways. Their works remind us to keep moving forward, just as his message continues to guide and inspire.
