THE NATIONAL OPEN ART COMPETITION 2008
(20/11/08)
THE NATIONAL OPEN ART COMPETITION 2008
“our choice is above all a reflection of this stubborn emphasis on individuality.”
Says selector Richard Cork.
Eggshells, car number plates, and pyrography!
The National Open Art Competition is now in the final phase, the national selection process has been completed and the judges have managed to short-list the 118 artists through to the next stage, from a record number of entrants this year, we received over 1200 submissions with more artists entering than ever before.
The standard and quality of the entries are of a far higher calibre, and more diverse than in previous years .Some of the art has been constructed from unusual mediums : sand, pebbles, pottery bits, found objects, handmade nails, conkers, latex, orange peel , and even eggshells, all referred to as mixed media !
The three judges: Richard Cork, award winning art critic, historian and most recently selector on the panel for the Threadneedle Figurative Prize 2008.
"The overwhelming submission to this year's National Open Art Competition was very encouraging, and the judges had an abundance of images to assess in their marathon, day-long session. Choosing a short-list from so many entries was a formidable challenge, but we felt confident that the selected works reflected the extreme diversity of art today. At the moment, contemporary artists shy away from joining groups and announcing the advent of new "isms." Most of them prefer to work alone, and our choice is above all a reflection of this stubborn emphasis on individuality.”
Pippa Blake, who studied Fine Art at Camberwell School of Art, and now, pursues a very successful career as an artist, and visiting lecturer at West Dean College.
“It was exciting to see so many entries from all over the UK in this years’ Open Art Competition. The gruelling selection process was challenging but equally fascinating to see the diversity and wide range of ability among the entries. The judges were looking for a singularity of vision and clarity of intention and the chosen work I feel reflects the open nature of the current art world. The competition is a great opportunity for visual artists to examine and challenge their own practice.”
Gavin Turk, one of the leading members of the Young British Artists movement, in 2007 he won the £25,000 Woolaston Prize for Sculpture at The Summer Exhibition. Gavin is constantly questioning authenticity, originality, and identity in his own often controversial work.
“In the selection process I was looking for works that displayed a fresh approach combined with a perceived enduring quality “.
The three judges were joined by Professor Maurice Cockrill RA, Keeper of the Royal Academy Schools, for their final votes to be cast, and the prize winners to be announced.
Creating an exhibition that illustrates the diversity and quality of visual arts in Great Britain.
If you would like further details or images please call/email.
Louisa Higgs Press & Media m: 07956455322 e:louisamhiggs@googlemail.com
www.thenationalopenartcompetition.com
The National Open Art Competition Prize Winners 2008
First Prize £10,000, sponsored by Towry Law.
Pat Grindey, 3 Peasant Girls, after Malevich.
Second Prize £5,000, sponsored by RK Harrison.
Lisa Wright, Tree Girl.
Young Artist 1st Prize £2,500, sponsored by Piran Strange and Phillip Riesco.
Bradley Macmath (24yrs) Yellow Tokyo
Young Artist 2nd Prize £1,500, sponsored by Piran Strange and Phillip Riesco.
Meachan Hyckie (25yrs) London Girl
Young Artist 3rd Prize £1,000, sponsored by Piran Strange and Phillip Riesco.
Johanna Wilbraham (22yrs) Self Portrait.
All Regional Prizes are sponsored by Seaward Properties.
Scotland £1,000
Stephen Shankland, Life in a Day.
The North and the Midlands £1,000
Martin Decent, Stranger on the Shore.
London and the East £1,000
Younjeong Lee, This is a Room.
The West £1,000
Ross Jones (25yrs) Affordable Housing.
The South £1,000
Adrienne Blake, Hat Maker
There is still one prize left to be won! This is where the public have a chance to cast their vote by selecting their favourite picture at:
The Minerva Theatre Chichester Festival Theatre where we are showcasing the 118 shortlisted paintings until November 22nd.
New British Artists Visitors’ Choice Prize £1,000 sponsored by New British Artists.
We also have 9 artists who have been Highly Commended by the panel of judges. All these artists will have their work showcased at:
The Arts Club, 40 Dover Street, London W1.
Monday 24th November- Saturday 29th November open daily from 10am- 6pm (by appointment 020 74998581)
Finally the successful artists will have their work exhibited at the prestigious:
Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1TJ
Monday 1s December – Monday 8th December
Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm
Thursday 10am – 8pm
Sunday 12.30pm – 5pm
www.thenationalopenartcompetition.com
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