Art Basel Awards Unveils Distinctive Cloud-Inspired Glass Trophy in Place of Gold
When the newly formed Art Basel Awards approached Swiss architect Jacques Herzog to create its first trophy in 2025, he was clear about his preferences. Herzog dismissed the concept of a golden statuette or a valorous knight. Instead, he sought something more ethereal and poetic. The resulting design is a hand-blown swirl of clear glass, shaped in part by breath, reminiscent of a billowing cloud in the midst of forming. Through this creation, Herzog transformed the trophy into a dynamic symbol of creativity, emphasizing change over permanence.
In designing the award, Herzog strayed from conventional laurels, metallic finishes, and illustrative symbols. He aimed to forge what he described as a “material embodiment of creativity.” Together with his team, he crafted 11 unique glass forms, each free-blown without the use of a mold. The group relied solely on molten glass, breath, torch, and gravity to shape each piece.
To bring the idea to life, Herzog collaborated closely with Swiss glass artisan Matteo Gonet, recognized for his stained-glass works and crystalline sculptures. The duo experimented with smoky colors and even gold finishes. Ultimately, they opted for total transparency. Gold, with its strong ties to prestige, felt too explicit. Clear glass provided what Herzog referred to as a “pure, flawless expression.” It presents no fixed narrative and encourages personal interpretation.
The unveiling of the Art Basel Awards represented the inaugural occasion for the organization to recognize emerging artists, curators, institutions, patrons, and behind-the-scenes contributors on a global platform. In an art landscape that becomes increasingly collaborative and interdisciplinary every year, Herzog’s trophy is particularly relevant. It remains open-ended and filled with potential, reflecting the evolving creative environment.
Jacques Herzog crafted the Art Basel Awards trophy as a breath-formed glass cloud that signifies creativity in motion.
The outcome consists of 11 free-blown sculptures that capture the ephemeral moment when an idea begins to take form.
A transparent design forgoes traditional gold symbolism in favor of openness, transformation, and global craftsmanship.
Art Basel: [Website](https://www.artbasel.com/?lang=en) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/artbasel)
Jacques Herzog: [Website](https://www.herzogdemeuron.com/) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/herzogdemeuron/) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Herzog.deMeuron)
*My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Art Basel.*
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