International artist selection criteria

The artist selection criteria used here are meant to be as precise and objective as possible. As a general grounding, the selection considers the number of exhibitions in recognized venues over a set period (4 or 7 years).


In order to be included, exhibitions must satisfy the following conditions:


  • -have taken place during the timeframe covered by the study (1987-2020);
  • -be solo exhibitions: in order for an exhibition to be considered a solo exhibition, it must run for at least three weeks and showcase at least three works or a large-scale installation
  • -have taken place during the artist’s lifetime and less than 25 years after their first solo show, as the study is only concerned with artists who contribute to “the art of the now” and not with artists belonging to The History of Contemporary Art.

    Note :
  • -In the case of a travelling solo exhibition, only the first two stages are taken into account.
  • -As prestigious as they may be, participation in the following events, awards and projects (even when participation results in an award) is not taken into account:
    • -The Venice Biennial, Documenta Kassel, Münster Skulptur Project, Manifesta, Berlin Biennial, Sao Paulo Biennial, Art Basel Statements, Art Basel Miami-Positions, Art Basel Unlimited;
    • -The Turner Prize, Van Gogh Biennial Award, Hugo Boss Prize, ARCO Award to Young Artists, projects run by prestigious organizations (Artangel, London; West of Rome, Pasadena, California; etc.).

An artist is only considered part of the international art scene if they meet all selection criteria of one of the following trajectories:


-either, within a 4-year period:


* The venue cannot be located in the same country as the exhibition in an international gallery (nor in a neighboring country), and it cannot be in the artist’s home country (country of birth or residency). In the case of multiple countries of residency, the least favorable selection data applies.


-or, within a 4-year period, including: five solo exhibitions

    • - a solo exhibition in a world-class venue located in Europe,
    • - a solo exhibition in a world-class venue located in the United States,
    • - a solo exhibition in a world-class venue located not located in the same country as the above-mentioned exhibitions (nor in a neighboring country) or in the artist’s home country (country of birth or residency)*,
    • - two solo exhibitions in world-class or national venues;

* In the case of multiple countries of residency, the least favorable selection data applies.


- or, within a 7-year period, three exhibitions in contemporary art museums with at least one located in Europe and one in the United States (see “international museums”).