Art from unexpected corners

A CAMBODIAN sandal-eating performance artist, a Bangladeshi sculptor who lines weapons of war with flowers, and a Vietnamese filmmaker protesting her country's nuclear plans are among the 15 Asian artists vying for one of the most lucrative art awards in the region.

Now in its third year, the Prudential Eye Awards for Asian art has sharpened its judging criteria to ensure a more rigorous selection of nominees. The result is a stronger list of 15 nominees in five categories: digital/video, installation, painting, photography and sculpture.

Each category winner will be awarded US$20,000 and a specially commissioned trophy. Out of these five winners, one will emerge as the overall winner, getting a further US$30,000 and the opportunity to hold a solo exhibition at the renowned Saatchi Gallery in London.