AXA XL Announces Winners of the 2026 AXA Art Prize US

Nearly 600 submissions from 132 institutions across the country spotlight the next generation of figurative artists

NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2026 — AXA XL today announced the winners of the 2026 AXA Art Prize US, one of the nation's premier student art competitions, recognizing exceptional emerging talent in figurative art from colleges and universities across the United States.

Selected from nearly 600 submissions representing 132 institutions, this year's winners stood out for their technical mastery, originality, and ability to push the boundaries of contemporary figurative art. Their work reflects the breadth of perspectives and creative voices shaping the future of American art.

2026 AXA Art Prize US Winners

First Prize — $10,000

Rumi Agarwal, Pratt Institute

The Night Wears Prussian Blue

Second Prize — $5,000

Ashton Burton, Cleveland Institute of Art

Threaded Roots

Honorable Mentions:

• Chelsea Harris, Cranbrook Academy of Art — En Route
• Kelly Micca, New York Academy of Art — Death Valley
• Noah Volk, University of North Carolina Asheville — Telophase

"Supporting emerging artists means investing in the future of creativity," said Matt O'Malley, Chief Client & Distribution Officer, Americas, AXA XL. "The AXA Art Prize gives young artists a platform at a pivotal moment in their careers, helping them gain visibility and recognition for work that challenges, provokes and inspires. The talent represented in this year's finalists is extraordinary, and we're proud to celebrate their achievements."

"What continues to make the AXA Art Prize so exciting is the opportunity to witness artists at a formative moment in their careers," said Jennifer Schipf, Prize Juror and Global Chief Underwriting Officer, Fine Art & Specie at AXA XL. "This year's finalists presented work that was not only technically accomplished, but deeply thoughtful, ambitious and emotionally resonant. Their ability to engage with contemporary themes while advancing the tradition of figurative art speaks to the vitality of the next generation of artists. We are honored to help elevate their work and share it with a broader audience."

The winners were announced in conjunction with the 2026 AXA Art Prize US Exhibition, on view at the New York Academy of Art from October 29 through November 19, 2026. The exhibition features works by this year's finalists and offers visitors a glimpse into the next generation of influential artists.

This year's exhibition was curated by Laura Hoptman of The Drawing Center, Christopher Y. Lew of C/O: Curatorial Office, independent curator Monique Long, and Jasmine Wahi, co-founder of Project for Empty Space.

The final award recipients were chosen by a prestigious jury that included acclaimed artists Ann Craven, Amy Cutler, and Kiki Smith, alongside Jennifer Schipf. Jurors evaluated submissions based on artistic excellence, originality, technical skill, and creative vision before selecting this year's winners from a highly competitive field.

For nearly a decade, the AXA Art Prize US has helped launch the careers of emerging artists by connecting them with leading curators, collectors, galleries, and cultural institutions. The competition reflects AXA XL's longstanding commitment to supporting artistic innovation while fostering opportunities for young creatives to gain recognition on a national stage.

The AXA Art Prize US forms part of AXA's broader commitment to supporting artistic creation and preserving cultural heritage. For more than four decades, the Group has supported cultural institutions and heritage preservation, including a longstanding partnership with the Louvre. AXA XL complements this commitment through its fine art insurance expertise and initiatives that help emerging artists gain visibility and recognition.

SOURCE XL Group Ltd / AXA XL