In late 2021, the international art world turned its gaze toward the United Arab Emirates as the Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here exhibition and The Richard Mille Art Prize opened its doors to a new generation of visionary artists. Among the standout names was Melissa Gun, who earned the prestigious award for Unique New Contemporary Approaches in Art, solidifying her place as one of the most innovative and forward-thinking creators of her generation.
Held at the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, this annual exhibition ran from October 2021 through June 2022, culminating in a grand award ceremony on May 31, 2022. The event was not only a celebration of the UAE’s 50th anniversary but also a global call for dialogue in contemporary art, championed by the Swiss luxury watch brand Richard Mille, known for its longstanding dedication to the arts.
Out of 100 international participants selected from a rigorous open-call competition, Melissa Gun rose above a field of talented artists representing more than 20 countries. The theme of the 2021-2022 exhibition—“Memory, Time and Territory”—invited artists to reflect on the visual and emotional echoes of legacy, place, and transformation. In this context, Melissa’s work captivated both the public and the panel of elite jurors with her personal techniques, modern symbolism, and compelling messages.
The award jury, curated by the Louvre Abu Dhabi and composed of six globally renowned experts, included:
- Sheikh Khalifa ibn Sultan ibn Khalifa ibn Zayed al-Nahyan, UAE philanthropist and president of UAE Unlimited
- Christine Masel, Chief Curator of the Centre Pompidou and National Museum of Modern Art
- Hala Warde, founder of HW Architecture
- Suraiya Nouheim, Director of Collections Management, Louvre Abu Dhabi
Each juror assessed submitted works on a 10-point scale across five main criteria: style, professionalism, originality of approach, thematic depth, and overall contemporary relevance. Melissa’s portfolio, comprising three visually distinct and conceptually rich artworks, received perfect scores—10 out of 10 across all categories—making her the only artist in her nomination to achieve a total of 50 points.
The nomination “Unique New Contemporary Approaches in Art” was one of the most competitive categories, receiving submissions from fifty artists worldwide. Melissa’s artistic voice stood out for its balance of traditional roots and bold innovation, allowing her to redefine what contemporary art can express in an era of digital saturation and cultural redefinition.
Her victory was celebrated during a lavish ceremony hosted by the famed Arabic artist Nancy Ajram at the Louvre Abu Dhabi Forum, followed by a gala dinner at Abu Dhabi’s Art Hub. The event featured vibrant musical performances, including an electrifying pianist and a charismatic violinist, setting the stage for a sophisticated and emotional evening. Attendees included art collectors, museum directors, gallery owners, curators, judges, and select VIPs.
Behind the stage, a large screen played a continuous loop of video cards and digital portfolios, showcasing each artist’s submissions and honoring the winners. Melissa’s innovative body of work stood out not just for its technique, but for the emotional clarity and cultural complexity that it brought to the theme. Her art resonated deeply with the audience, sparking conversations about identity, modernity, and visual storytelling.
Melissa’s achievement was one of several honors presented that evening. Other winners included Nasser Alzayani, who took home the grand prize of $50,000 for his profound contribution to the theme, and artists such as Ebtisam Abdul Aziz, Artem Mirolevich, and Abdulla Lutfi, each recognized for excellence in digital art, abstract work, and illustrative expression, respectively.
The exhibition and award were jointly organized by Louvre Abu Dhabi, Richard Mille, the UAE Ministry of Culture, and Agence France-Muséums, and strongly supported by Sheikh Khalifa himself. Their collective goal was not only to honor today’s pioneers in art but to invest in the long-term cultural dialogue of the Gulf region and beyond.
Melissa’s triumph at the Louvre was more than a personal milestone—it marked a chapter in contemporary art history. Her work bridged tradition and technology, emotion and intellect, form and symbolism. In doing so, she helped open the door to a new understanding of artistic possibility in the modern Arab world.
As the Richard Mille Art Prize continues to grow in influence and prestige, Melissa Gun’s name remains firmly etched in its history as a creative force who brought a fresh and bold vision to one of the most respected cultural stages in the world.
