The recipients of the Andy Prize 2.0 2024 have been announced

The Andy Prize 2.0 in memory of Andrea Morrison Bronfman is awarded to students of Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design Jerusalem who have excelled in craft-oriented disciplines which Andy loved so much, including glass, ceramics, jewelry, accessories and shoes. 

This year, the Cohen family generously decided, in an act of solidarity and partnership, to double the Andy 2.0 Prize to $10,000 for each of the 3 recipients, making it the largest as well as the most prestigious prize in its field. 

Outstanding Achievement in Ceramic Design  
Naama Eliraz, “Quasi Others”, The Department of Ceramics and Glass Design

The entry of artificial intelligence into our lives and its integration into artistic practice examines the role and identity of the artist, the origin of artistic creation, and the place of humanity in art. The entire work is made up of a combination of innovation and tradition: "new material" - artificial intelligence, alongside one of the oldest materials in human history - clay.  

Outstanding Achievement in Glass Design
Elia Bloch, “Pretending to be Home”, The Department of Ceramics and Glass Design

Selecting old discarded furniture and items, Elia contemplated the home she grew up in, and perhaps the home she wishes to have, and the difference between the two. Each object or piece of furniture invites a different action involving glass. Each action has a story. Banal in daily life, almost normal, yet also grotesque, threatening, and at times aesthetic and full of humor. Glass is both the material and the tool. 

Outstanding Achievement in Jewelry and Fashion Crafts 
Lior Elbaz, “Progress in Place”, The Department of Jewelry and Fashion

The project questions the symbolic function of the shoe as a tool for moving forward and presents a new interpretation of shoes. The shoes exceed their expected role and encourage thought about progress, usually resulting from inertia rather than active intention. The basalt rocks make walking difficult and provoke thoughts about the meaning of progress. The design choices aim to contrast the meticulously sculpted uppers wrapping the feet and the natural, rough look of the leather soles and their connection to the basalt stones. 

The winning projects and many more innovative and creative works are available at Bezalel’s annual Graduate Exhibition which is now open to the public. Details in the link.