New Delhi, Nov 22 (IANS): Indian artist Sheba Chacchi has been awarded a juror's choice prize by the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) and Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) Foundation for her work "Water Diviner".

The prize recognises innovative art practices by emerging artists in the Asia Pacific region that connects to regional concerns, traditions, communities and the diversity of cultures.

Chachhi was awarded the 10,000 Singapore dollar ($7,500) prize for her large installation that draws from Indian lores, history and imagery showcasing the importance of water in Indian culture. The installation is complemented by a video which uses projections of still images and transparencies to create an immersive environment - suggesting the presence of water in every life-form, the Singapore Art Museum stated.

"The 'Water Diviner' is an unusual immersive installation. It tries to bring into the mainstream a crucial issue facing India and the
region," said Chachi.

The five-member pan-Asian jury for the prize included leading Indian writer, critic, poet and curator Ranjit Hoskote.

The triennial APB Foundation Signature Art Prize is awarded to artists whose artworks represent a significant development in contemporary visual art in the Asia Pacific region.

The award series is the result of a 15-year partnership announced in October 2007 between the Singapore Art Museum and the APB Foundation.

This year, the APB Foundation has doubled its prize funding from $2.25 million for five editions to $4.45 million and expanded the prize to include nominations from the entire Asia Pacific region.