A clenched fist, faceless half-human machine-like figures, a hint of a mask, a drone camera positioned curiously, a disinfectant spray amid an arid excavated landscape—this is visual artist Prabhakar Pachpute’s depiction of the world around him. His apocalyptic universe, which disturbs, but also provokes enquiry, is now mounted on the charcoal-washed walls of Britain’s National Museum Cardiff. It will be on display until September 5, as part of the biennial showcase of works of the Artes Mundi 9 prizewinners. Pachpute is one of the six winners who shared the prestigious contemporary art prize.

In a sort of first-of-its-kind tradition, the prize has been split between six artists—photographer Carrie Mae Weems (US), Meiro Koizumi (Japan), Dineo Seshee Bopape (South Africa), Firelei Baez (Dominican Republic), Beatriz Santiago Munoz (Puerto Rico) and Pachpute, representing India. They were shortlisted from 700-odd nominees of 90 countries, recognised for poignant portrayals of contemporary times, be it Weems’ capture of an African-American youth or Koizumi’s video testimony on Japan’s war excesses or Baez’s use of acrylic canvases to bring alive colonial domination. The prize in one sense is a validation of the visual artists’ struggles to retain their creativity amid curfew, family commitments, logistical challenges and a home-bound existence.