Georg Baselitz Wins International Art Prize

The German painter joined Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki, American sculptor Bruce Nauman and Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami in receiving this year's Praemium Imperiale in Tokyo. The award, considered the most prestigious in the art world, was given to the five artists in recognition of their "overall achievements and influence on the arts and their roles in enriching the global community." At 15 million yen (approximately $135,700), the prize given out by the Japan Art Association is believed to be the highest monetary prize purely for artists. It has been awarded since 1989, the 100th anniversary of the Japan Art Association. Previous laureates include American painter Jasper Johns, Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa and British architect Norman Foster.