Artist Pat Oleszko has received the $100,000 Bucksbaum Award for her work at the Whitney Biennial.
Artist Pat Oleszko has been awarded the 2026 Bucksbaum Award, a $100,000 prize presented by the Whitney Museum of American Art. The award recognizes a participating artist in the current Whitney Biennial whose work demonstrates a unique combination of talent and imagination.
Oleszko's contribution to the Biennial featured her signature oversized inflatable sculptures and early film work. Her pieces have been noted for their distinctive and engaging aesthetic, drawing attention from visitors to the exhibition.
The artist is experiencing a significant period of recognition, with the Bucksbaum Award following a major solo exhibition at SculptureCenter in New York City. Additionally, Oleszko currently has works on display at The Campus in Upstate New York.
The Bucksbaum Award is given annually to an artist featured in the Whitney Biennial. The prize aims to support artists and acknowledge their contributions to contemporary art, with a focus on those whose work resonates with a broad audience.
