The Arte Laguna Prize has announced the appointment of visual storyteller and conceptual artist Paal Anand as Ambassador for the Arte Laguna Prize Ambassadors 2026 program. Anand will represent the prestigious international art competition in the United States, promoting artistic excellence and cultural exchange worldwide.
Arte Laguna Prize Ambassadors serve as representatives of the competition’s activities across various countries, collaborating as enthusiasts and art lovers to disseminate opportunities for artists and enhance international culture. As Ambassador, Anand will leverage his extensive network and passion for the arts to connect emerging and established artists with opportunities to advance their creative careers.
Anand is a Culver City resident, and serves on the board of the Culver Arts Foundation. Known as a visual storyteller and conceptual artist inspired by the fantastical and the surreal. A pioneer in the Light in Space movement, his work bridges classical narrative and cutting-edge digital technique, creating compositions that challenge viewers’ perceptions of reality.
“I am honored to serve as an Ambassador for the Arte Laguna Prize,” said Anand. “This platform has been instrumental in fostering international artistic dialogue, and I look forward to bringing my passion for artistic excellence and cultural exchange to this role, helping to connect artists worldwide with transformative opportunities.”
Anand’s appointment comes as his work is currently featured in the Arte Laguna Prize exhibition in Shanghai—marking the first time the prize has staged an exhibition outside of Venice, Italy. This historic expansion further demonstrates his continued connection to the international art community and the prize’s growing global reach.
Anand is a leading figure in the Light in Space movement, where light becomes a sculptural element that shapes perception and narrative. His work reimagines classical narratives through surrealist digital art and photography, creating otherworldly compositions that exist at the intersection of dream and reality.
Anand’s artistic journey uniquely bridges Hollywood’s technical precision with fine art’s emotional depth. Having worked on visual effects for major productions including “Hellboy” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” he transitioned his cinematic expertise into creating museum-quality fine art. His innovative approach to lighting and composition has been praised for creating a theatricality and emotional intensity that draws viewers into realms where mythic grandeur and human vulnerability coexist.
The Arte Laguna Prize is one of the most significant international competitions for emerging and established artists, offering opportunities for exhibition, promotion, and professional development. The competition attracts thousands of participants from over 100 countries annually, providing a global platform for artistic innovation across multiple disciplines including painting, sculpture, photography, video art, performance, and digital art.
As Ambassador, Anand joins a select group of international art professionals dedicated to advancing the Arte Laguna Prize’s mission of supporting artists and facilitating cross-cultural artistic dialogue.
Presswire
photo credit – Instagram
