Trevor Paglen Awarded 2026 LG Guggenheim Prize

Pioneering artist recognized for exploring the intersection of art, technology, and power

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:06pm

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The Guggenheim and LG have announced that artist Trevor Paglen is the recipient of the 2026 LG Guggenheim Award. Paglen, known for his work examining the hidden infrastructures of surveillance, AI, and digital systems, will receive an unrestricted $100,000 honorarium as part of the award.

Why it matters

The LG Guggenheim Art and Technology Initiative aims to support and promote artists working at the forefront of technological innovation. Paglen's selection highlights his influential practice, which has persistently explored how emerging technologies shape our understanding of reality and the power structures that underlie them.

The details

As the 2026 LG Guggenheim Award recipient, Paglen will deliver a lecture-performance titled "The Lizard People Are Here!" at the Guggenheim New York on May 18. His upcoming book "How to See Like a Machine" will also be released on May 19, 2026.

  • The LG Guggenheim Art and Technology Initiative launched in 2022.
  • Paglen will receive the award and deliver a lecture-performance on May 18, 2026.
  • Paglen's book "How to See Like a Machine" will be released on May 19, 2026.

The players

Trevor Paglen

An artist whose work brings visibility to digitally invisible structures, helping audiences better understand current technologies and their underlying logic.

Guggenheim New York

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of modern and contemporary art.

LG

A technology innovator and global leader in consumer electronics, advanced materials, and automotive components.

Naomi Beckwith

Deputy Director and Jennifer and David Stockman Chief Curator at Guggenheim New York.

Seol Park

Head of Brand at LG Corp.

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What they’re saying

“We're living through a profound transformation in our relationship to images. Images, sensing systems, algorithms, and the infrastructures around them have become active participants in the world––shaping decisions, identities, cultures, and histories. As an artist, I'm interested in exploring new forms of vision and imagining alternative ways of seeing. I'm honored to receive this award from LG and the Guggenheim, and grateful for their commitment to artists working at the intersection of art, science, and technology.”

— Trevor Paglen, 2026 LG Guggenheim Award recipient

“We are honored to present the 2026 LG Guggenheim Award to Trevor Paglen, an artist whose work reflects the very questions we ask ourselves at LG. As we advance our AI capabilities, we recognize that true innovation demands transparency, accountability, and a commitment to the human-centered application of technology. By celebrating Trevor's vision, LG reaffirms its dedication to building an AI future that is not only powerful but ethically grounded and deserving of human trust.”

— Seol Park, Head of Brand at LG Corp.

What’s next

Paglen will deliver the lecture-performance "The Lizard People Are Here!" at Guggenheim New York on May 18, 2026.

The takeaway

Paglen's selection for the LG Guggenheim Award underscores the growing importance of artists who critically engage with the societal impacts of emerging technologies, helping the public better understand the power structures and ethical considerations underlying these transformative tools.