I am a big fan of Jerwood – covering visual arts, dance, theatre, literature and music, they see the arts the same way that I do, and celebrate creativity in all its guises. So I was delighted to learn that Virginia Verran was named the winner of the Jerwood Drawing Prize 2010 for her piece Bolus-Space (signal). Her work, along with that of the 70 short-listed artists will be shown at Jerwood Space in London until 7 November 2010, and will then tour to Cheltenham, Berkshire, Carmarthen and Durham.
Verran is based in North London, she studied at Chelsea College of Art, London (1983-84) and Winchester School of Art (1980-83). She has exhibited in a number of solo and group shows, including the Jerwood Drawing Prize 2009, and teaches at Slade School of Art.
Virginia’s description of her winning work is clear and concise:
"Intuitions ・ layers ・ planes ・ demarcations ・ nations ・ symbols ・ threats ・ bombardments ・pointings ・ ponds ・ settlements ・ migrations ・ repetitions"
Just under 3,000 entries were submitted this year for consideration by the distinguished panel of selectors: Charles Darwent, Art Critic, Independent on Sunday; Jenni Lomax, Director of the Camden Arts Centre; and Emma Talbot, artist. The shortlist includes established artists as well as relative newcomers and students fresh from art school.
A Second Prize of £3,000 was awarded to Cadi Froehlich who is currently studying for a Fine Art Foundation Degree at Brighton University City College. Cadi’s work, Untitled (tea table), comprises of a side table with marks left by hot drinks, she explains:
“Untitled (tea table) has evolved from a process of work looking at what was, what isn’t and what could be. Mindful of the passing of time and the potential of the future, this period of work has questioned the reality of the now. Evoking moments spent, lost or yearned for, the table bears the marks that illustrate meetings, conversations and quiet contemplations spent over a cup of tea. The format of the drinking and the style of cup changes, as does the purpose, aim or hope in the moment of the drinking.”
Two Student Awards of £1,000 each, were awarded to Warren Andrews for David M. Hutchinson Drawing device no 436 and to James Eden & Olly Rooks for their collaboration, Burst. Warren is currently studying at Wimbledon College of Art, his work "deals with how an audience approaches and views ‘art’, and the role perspective". Both James and Olly recently graduated in Fine Art from the University of Plymouth and have been working collaboratively for two years.
Catch the exhibition at the Jerwood Space until 7 November. Admission Free. Jerwood Visual Arts will host a series of Monday evening events to accompany the exhibition starting at 6pm on 4th, 11th, 18th October 2010. Events are free but must be booked in advance. Jerwood Space is participating in the 2010 Big Draw and will host events on 22nd and 23rd October.
www.jerwoodvisualarts.org
Image:
Bolus-Space (signal), Pens on canvas, 76 x 62 cm, by Virginia Verran, 2010 Jerwood Drawing Prize exhibitor
