Organised and curated by Christina Mamakos, Head of Painting, the initiative grew organically as an open way of exchange across cultures, starting from Greece and France and later branching to the UK.
Finalists, anonymously selected by guest judges, Vanessa Jackson, Apolonia Sokol and Christina Soulou, were:
Maria Chatziantoniou – University of Ioannina
Manon Desandre – Montpellier Agglomeration School of Fine Arts
Nefeli Dimou – University of Ioannina
Spyridoula Fideropoulou – Athens School of Fine Art
Allan Madin – ESAAA – The Experimental School of Art Annecy Alps
Maria McGuigan – Belfast School of Art, Ulster University
Lætitia Morabito-Rey – Toulon-Provence-Mediterranean School of Art
Hollie Rickard – Leeds School of Arts, Leeds Beckett University
Emily Taylor – University of Hertfordshire
Elif Yanya – The Slade School of Fine Art, UCL
The WSA Painting Prize is an opportunity to see innovative and inspiring work produced by emerging artists and to celebrate ongoing creative collaborations.
Christina Mamakos said: “Every year we have had really positive results. It’s nice to have an international community that can be celebrated. The initiative was a way to bring WSA to different parts of the world and now our little school is already known across the channel. More importantly, it aims to encourage recruitment for undergraduates.”
Artist, Elif Yanya, 26, who received a special mention, said: “It kind of happened really quickly as I didn’t have long to submit my work, but I’m really proud. It’s a nice connection between the different schools and a really good opportunity.”
Kate Maple, Gallery Director, said: “The international aspect is very important. It brings together young people and supports them in the early stages of their career. It also validates creating good work and puts them on the right career path- which can be hard in this industry.”
WSA student and attendee of the exhibition, Nam Hach, said: “There are some pieces I find hard to understand but I’m really impressed by how people can explore concepts beyond the canvas. It’s very inspiring.”
Winchester School of Art is recognised and respected as one of the UK’s leading and progressive art and design institutions. It has established a history of almost 150 years with a tradition of creative education, while developing a future-facing environment for teaching, learning and research.
