Recognition in New York
In 2018, I was named one of the “Top 60 Masters of Contemporary Art” by ArtTour International, and invited to receive the award during a formal event held in New York City. The trophy, shaped like a golden horse, was symbolic and celebratory part of a global initiative to spotlight emerging artists from around the world.
At the time, I had already exhibited internationally, including at Art Expo New York 2018, and was gradually building my presence across different art markets. This award wasn’t my first exposure to the U.S. audience, but it added another layer of recognition that supported my growing international footprint. It brought with it the encouragement to keep moving forward with clarity and dedication.
The recognition came through a nomination and selection process conducted by the editorial team at ATIM. While the award is not affiliated with traditional curatorial institutions or museums, it offered an artist-centered platform focused on promotion, connection, and community. For me, it opened up conversations with artists from diverse backgrounds and provided visibility in a growing international circle.
Looking back, what stands out most about receiving the award wasn’t the ceremony or the trophy, but the reminder that people beyond my own region were connecting with my work. It was a moment that reinforced the sense that my art could resonate across different audiences and cultures not only within Europe and Asia, but globally.
I’ve always believed that every recognition, big or small, can carry its own kind of meaning especially when you’re navigating a path as personal and unpredictable as an art career. The Top 60 Masters award was not the destination, but it was a marker along the road one that affirmed my commitment to continue growing, creating, and sharing work that comes from a deeply rooted place.
This moment became part of the larger arc of my practice, Alongside the award, my work was also published in ArtTour International Magazine, offering an opportunity for a broader audience to engage with my art and learn more about my creative practice.
and while my style has evolved since then, I look back at this milestone with quiet gratitude as a moment when the world opened up just a little more, and reminded me that art does travel, in ways we sometimes don’t expect.
