Rudi Fuchs (NL):
During my visits to studios of ten different artists in five countries, I was deeply impressed by each artist’s seriousness and relentless dedication to their work, as well as by their unique approach. As artists, they are very diverse in terms of age, background, circumstances, and aspirations. Thus, it was extremely difficult to choose just one of them for the Ars Fennica award.
I concluded that I should select the artist who seemed the most inspiring. Therefore, I propose awarding Olegs Tillbergs from Riga. His work is imaginative, filled with adventure, and fearless at the same time. He has a few small pieces, but most of his works are large — and sometimes his ideas are very challenging to realize. Nevertheless, he never lets that change his mind.
I especially admire this incredible persistence in his attitude. He does not compromise his art, nor does he ever give up; this reveals the depth of his conviction. Because of this conviction and his broad, boundary-defying vision, I choose him as the Ars Fennica award recipient.
Rudi Fuchs (NL), Director for Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam (1994)