Sheela Gowda has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Sam Gilliam Award, presented by the Dia Art Foundation and the Sam Gilliam Foundation. The award, which includes a $75,000 gift, also features a public program at a Dia location in fall 2025. Established in 2023, the award recognizes an artist’s significant contribution in any medium, offering transformative support as part of continuing Sam Gilliam’s legacy.
The decision to honor Gowda was made by an international panel of jurors, including Jordan Carter of Dia Art Foundation and Annie Gawlak of the Sam Gilliam Foundation. Courtney J. Martin of the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, Emiliano Valdés, and Zoé Whitley also contributed to the selection. Gowda’s work often incorporates culturally significant materials and explores themes such as labor, gender, and sociopolitical conditions.
“It is a great honor to be selected as the 2025 Sam Gilliam Award recipient,” said Gowda. She emphasized the importance of sharing experiences and supporting broader issues common to all. Annie Gawlak praised Gowda’s interdisciplinary practice and its reflection of Gilliam’s approach, while Jessica Morgan of Dia noted Gowda’s growing international visibility.
The Sam Gilliam Foundation initiated the award with Dia to advance Gilliam’s legacy and promote emerging artists. Dia has a history of supporting artists through major projects and has featured Gilliam’s work at Dia Beacon.
Gowda, born in Bhadravati, India, is recognized for her exhibitions and contributions to various international biennials. The Sam Gilliam Foundation continues to organize exhibitions and foster research related to Gilliam’s work.
For further information, media contacts at Dia Art Foundation and Parsoff Communications are available.
