And the winner is… Bath Open Art Prize 2019
1st Prize: Day Bowman, Study 2, Plashy Place
Oil, charcoal and conté on canvas
“In this new series of paintings entitled Holiday Destination I find that the large-scale canvases echo the marks, lines and shapes that we made in the wet, grey sand of my home town beach: thus the canvas becomes the beach that acted as the large- scale canvas of my child-hood.
In these works I have allowed myself to move freely from one work to another with a sense of play and random mark-making.
Through the use of colour, of scribbled lines and drip marks, contrasting with the blocks of background painted areas, I have attempted to capture the tides and the occasional gleam of sunshine.”
Artist Day Bowman (centre) with Anna Kot (left), Curator and Coordinator of the Bath Open Art Prize and Judge Sandra Porter (right) in front of her painting Study 2, Pashy Place, 1st Prize winner in the Bath Open Art Prize 2019. #FaB19
2nd Prize:
Chloë Feldman Emison, Haircut
Hand-drawn animation with sound, made at a workshop run by Forkbeard Fantasy.
Screenshot of Chloe Feldman Emison’s animated film Haircut, winner of the 2nd Prize in the Bath Open Art Prize 2019. #FaB19
Highly Commended: Emma Tuck, A Simple Extremity of Line III and V
Pen and blind embossed print on paper
”I am a self-taught artist, working with paper, print, paint, ink, pen and pencil; this will inevitably shift and evolve.
My work is informed by natural forms and patterns – spirals, fissures, branches, waves, plants, landscapes. But it is not about faithfully representing the natural world. It is about nature as it appears to me – inevitably refracted through the psychological, the political and the trivial.
I was awarded associate membership of the Society of Botanical Artists in 2011.”
Image © Emma Tuck, A Simple Extremity of Line III, Highly Commended in the Bath Open Art Prize 2019 #FaB19
Image © Emma Tuck, A Simple Extremity of Line V, Highly Commended in the Bath Open Art Prize 2019 #FaB19
Highly Commended:
Carrie Grainger, Vigilante
Twigs, hessian, jute, horse hair, human hair, scrap fabrics, yarn, herbs and natural pigments.
“Vigilante is a 12 piece sculptural work which can be adapted to suit the space.
My practice explores cultural superstition, symbolism and ritual practice displayed through mask making, sculpture, performance and film.
I draw concepts from different cultural belief systems on the subject of spirituality, the occult and altered states with a primary focus on shamanic belief and practice.”
Artist Carrie Grainger underneath her installation, Vigilante, Highly Commended in the Bath Open Art Prize 2019 #FaB19
People’s Choice: James Carstairs, Lift
Oil paint on board
“My work is often inspired by specific spaces. This painting, depicts myself and my friend Dan in the lift up to our University studios. The confined space, which forces people together is a very recognisable and relatable narrative. This idea of coming together in a space is reminiscent of the university experience where I share a studio with a group of people. I was keen to explore the Lift's unique light, perspective and reflections which endlessly extend the space.”
Image © James Carstairs, Lift, winner of the 2019 Bath Open Art Prize People’s Choice award. #FaB19
44ad Exhibition Opportunity: Ally McGinn, Imag(in)e
Wood, canvas, paintbrush and staples
“A piece of work made during recent explorations of; the functional objects in painting, the re-presentation of artefact and, the (re)signification of value.“
Image © Ally Mcginn, Imag(in)e, recipient of the 44ad Exhibition Opportunity in the Bath Open Art Prize 2019 #FaB19
A huge thank you to our sponsors for providing prizes for 2019
1st Prize £250 sponsored by Andrews Property
2nd prize £100 sponsored by Society Café
People's Choice £50 art vouchers, sponsored by Minerva Arts Supplies
Exhibition Opportunity sponsored by 44ad Artspace: a solo exhibition in 44ad's basement gallery