By Stephen Weir

Trinidadian Canadian artist Michèle Pearson Clarke has been named as one of the five finalists for the highly prestigious 2023 Sobey Art Award in Canada. With a grand prize of $100,000, the Sobey Art Award is widely regarded as the country’s most prominent accolade for contemporary visual artists.
Michèle Pearson Clarke, who specializes in photography, video, and art installations, has garnered attention for her thought-provoking works. Notably, her exhibition at the Hamilton Gallery of Art received positive reviews from the Caribbean Camera. Born in Trinidad and currently based in Toronto, Ontario, Clarke continues to make significant contributions to the art world through her captivating creations.
The announcement of the five shortlisted artists for the 2023 Sobey Art Award was made on Monday, stirring anticipation within the contemporary art community.
Alongside Michèle Pearson Clarke, the other finalists vying for this year’s esteemed prize include Kablusiak, an Inuvialuk artist, Anahita Norouzi from Quebec, Seamus Gallagher, an Atlantic Canadian photographer, and Gabrielle L’Hirondelle Hill, a Métis sculptor and writer based in British Columbia. Each artist brings a unique perspective and innovative approach to their respective mediums. The winner of the 2023 Sobey Art Award will be unveiled in November.