The Top 10 entries have been shortlisted for the first Robert Walters UK Young Artist of the Year Award.
The 10 shortlisted artists will have the honour of having their work displayed at the prestigious Saatchi Gallery in London on Monday 7 October 2019, where the overall winner of the £10,000 cash prize will be announced at a VIP awards evening.
The runner up will receive a cash prize of £5,000 to go towards the development of the artists’ future career in the industry.
The award – the most significant cash reward for young artists – set out to discover and champion exceptional artists who are representative of contemporary Britain.
Within the brief of ‘Diversity’ judges sought artists and works which reflected the following: diversity of experience; diversity of expression; diversity of thought.
Judges included Philippa Adams – Director of Saatchi Gallery, Robert Walters – CEO of Robert Walters Group, Gavin Turk – artist, Michael Forbes – artist, and Rosalind Davis – artist, writer and UKYA alumni.
The awards ceremony and shortlist exhibition on 7 October at Saatchi Galley has been curated by Garth Gratrix, an internationally exhibiting artist, curator and studio director based in the northwest. Gratrix’ work often showcases cross-disciplinary practices in diverse and unique settings.
The 2019 finalists are: Azraa Motala; Camilla Hanney; Conor Rogers; Francisco Rodriguez; Linnet Panashe Rubaya; Malgorzata Lisiecka; Manon Ouimet; Morgan Dowdall; Rob Branigan; and William Harman.
Robert Walters, CEO of Robert Walters Group comments:
“Providing opportunities for ambitious professionals to achieve their potential is the foundation of our business and so we are proud to already see the success of this new Award and excited about the awards ceremony next month. We truly believe it will help launch the careers of the next generation of exceptional UK artists.”
Michelle Bowen, Director, UKYA adds:
“For the last ten years UKYA has championed and supported young artists from all backgrounds living and working in the UK. We are delighted this new partnership with Robert Walters Group and Saatchi Gallery will help uncover new talent and further develop our mission to promote a vibrant and diverse creative future for the UK.”
Philly Adams, Director, Saatchi Gallery remarks:
“As Saatchi Gallery continues to strive to provide an innovative forum, I am excited about this new partnership with Robert Walters and UKYA and that we are able to provide a platform dedicated to developing the careers of UK’s diverse young talent. The awards ceremony on 7th October will showcase the creative potential of young artists and foster discussions surrounding their relationship to their community.”