THE YOUNG MASTERS Art Prize, a not-for-profit initiative launched by respected gallerist Cynthia Corbett in 2009, recognises emerging artists who take inspiration from the Old Masters. While supporting originality, the prize believes that innovation rarely comes from nothing and celebrates artists whosYe work makes deliberate references to the art of the past.
The international prize opened for applications in January, to coincide with the solo exhibition of Young Masters Art Prize 2009 joint winners, artist collaborative Ghost of a Dream, at the London Art Fair. The exhibition showcased their installation this is it, formed from a collage of disused lottery tickets, romance novels and vintage mirrors. The craftsmanship and precision displayed in their work exemplifies Old Master expertise. Charlotte Bracegirdle and Lluís Barba, runner-up in 2009 and highlight of the 2010 exhibition respectively, are both now represented by the Cynthia Corbett Gallery. Karim Hamid and Wieland Payer have been invited to apply for the 2012 prize.
See pictures by the previous Young Masters winner and nominees here
The prize will be curated by Daria Khan, director of the Spazio Carbonesi Foundation in Bologna. The panel of judges is chaired by art historian and journalist Godfrey Barker (see his recent article for Spear’s) and includes: Spear’s cover artist Adam Dant, 2002 Jerwood Prize winner; Colin Wiggins, head of education at the National Gallery; Roy Bolton, director of Sphinx Fine Art; Alain Servais, respected Belgian collector.
Watch a video featuring Young Masters judge Adam Dant
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Cork Street in November.
For further information on the artists featured, sponsorship or on the prize in general, please contact Annabel Cary at info@young-masters.co.uk or visit www.young-masters.co.uk</a>