Wu Shuang, an artist represented by Whitestone Gallery, has been selected as one of the 30 finalists for the "The 2026 Sovereign Asian Art Prize (SAAP)," one of the most prestigious contemporary art awards in Asia. The announcement was officially made on April 9, 2026 by the organizing body, the Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF). Now in its 22nd edition, the prize is widely recognized as a leading international art award representing the Asia-Pacific region.

Selected for Asia's Most Prestigious Art Award

The Sovereign Asian Art Prize was established in 2004 by the Sovereign Art Foundation, an international charitable organization based in Hong Kong. The award is known for its significant social impact: it provides international recognition and prize money to contemporary artists from the Asia-Pacific region, while also contributing a portion of sales proceeds to support programs for underprivileged children.

This year's 30 finalists were selected from over 250 submissions across 12 countries and territories, following nominations by a selection committee comprising 46 independent experts and 16 specialist galleries. Wu's selection reaffirms her growing international reputation as an artist that Whitestone Gallery proudly presents to the world.

The selected work is Wu's Living Organism.

Wu Shuang “Living Organism” 2024, 116.0 × 90.0 cm, Acrylic on canvas

Works Exhibited at World-Class Venues

The finalist works will be displayed free of charge at two venues in Hong Kong.

Venue 1: H Queen's, 9/F (80 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong) Dates: April 24 – May 3, 2026 / Hours: 11:00–19:00 / Free Admission

Venue 2: Phillips Asia Headquarters (WKCDA Tower, 1/F, West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong) Dates: May 12–15, 2026 / Hours: 11:00–19:00 / Free Admission

H Queen's is a 24-story building renowned as a hub for art in Hong Kong, home to world-class galleries such as David Zwirner and Tang Contemporary Art. Phillips Asia is located in the West Kowloon Cultural District (西九龍文化地區), which is emerging as a new cultural heart of Hong Kong — both venues are emblematic of the international art scene at its finest.

Award Details: Judging, Prize Money, and Charitable Activities

From among the finalists, a jury-selected Grand Prize (USD 30,000) and the Vogue Hong Kong Women's Art Prize (USD 5,000) will be awarded, along with a Public Vote Prize (USD 1,000) determined by in-person and online voting. Winners will be announced on May 19, 2026, via the Sovereign Art Foundation's digital channels.

This year's jury chair, David Elliott (writer, curator, and museum director), commented on the shortlist as follows:

"This year's final exhibition meets the high standard we have come to expect. While no single unifying theme or tendency emerges, each work conveys a determination to distill the realities of the present moment. It is regrettable that some countries are not represented due to war, sanctions, and the complexities of choice, but despite this, artists from across Asia have remained focused, expressing the integrity, tension, and joy of our times with a surreal clarity."

All works will be available for sale via timed or live auction as well as direct purchase, with 50% of proceeds going to the artists and the remaining 50% allocated to SAF's charitable programs. Bidding and direct sales are scheduled to begin on April 23, 2026, on the SAF's official website.

Proceeds will be donated to SAF's "Make It Better" program, which has been providing group sessions using expressive arts for children from low-income families in Hong Kong since 2013, supporting approximately 200 children with special educational needs — including those with autism and ADHD — on a weekly basis.

Wu Shuang Solo Exhibition “A Nomad's Canvas” Now Open

Wu Shuang's solo exhibition "A Nomad's Canvas” is currently on view at Whitestone Gallery Taipei (through April 18, 2026). We invite you to take note of this alongside her selection as an international award finalist.

Whitestone Gallery Taipei

A Nomad's Canvas

Related Information

Sovereign Art Foundation Official Website: sovereignartfoundation.com
Inquiries regarding the exhibition and auction: art@sovereignartfoundation.com
Official Social Media: Facebook
@SovereignAsianArtPrize / Instagram @SovereignArtFoundation