2012

Entering it's fourth year, the celebrated Signature Art Prize presents a fresh and exciting award for the most promising artists of today. The competition invites artists worldwide to apply for a chance to win one of five 1,000.00 cash prizes, representation with DegreeArt, future exhibition opportunities and artistic support, as well as gifts from the prize sponsors.

 PAINTING - SCULPTURE - PHOTOGRAPHY - MIXED MEDIA - PEOPLE'S CHOICE 

Following the huge success of the awards in 2011, the Signature Art Prize returns this summer with the added attraction of cash prizes as well as an opening gala at an exclusive Central London location. 

The Signature Art Prize is the only award of its kind that draws attention to emerging artist's unique perspective, championing their signature themes and aesthetic - and as such the prize is only open to current students and artist who graduated within the last 3 years. 

All entries will be reviewed by an esteemed panel of industry judges, and shortlisted artists will be selected to exhibit at the Central London awards night, followed by an extended two-month exhibition at DegreeArt's Execution Room in the cultural hub of Vyner St, East London.

OUR WINNERS

SEUNG AH PAIK | PAINTING WINNER

Seung Ah Paik was born in Seoul, South Korea.  She studied at Seoul National University where she completed her BA in Oriental Painting, before going on to complete an MFA at Goldsmiths, University of London. Seung Ah’s practice is concerned with the depiction of the human body as a set of objects as seen from the point of view of the painter..

EMILY MACCINES | PHOTOGRAPHY WINNER

Nottingham Trent University (BA Honours in Photography)

Emily Macinnes is an Edinburgh based documentary photographer who graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2012. Emily has worked with international NGO's documenting global issues as well as more intimate stories of struggles faced closer to home.

MATTHEW SPENCER | MIXED MEDIA WINNER


Bath Spa University (Master of Fine Art , 2010)

Matthew Spencer graduated from Bath Spa University with a Masters in Fine Art in 2010. His technique involves laboriously hand cutting elaborate patterns into sheets of wood in the style of the CNC (Computer Numerical Control) laser/router machines which are used in much modern manufacturing. Each pieces takes over one hundred hours of labour to complete.

HANS K CLAUSEN | SCULPTURE WINNER

Edinburgh College of Art. (BA Sculpture)

Hans K Clausen graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 2012 with a BA Hons in Sculpture. In his work he seeks to examine the relationship between artist, object and viewer and to challenge the conventional notions of authorship and consumption, thinking, making and creating.

THE JUDGES

  • ELINOR OLISA & ISOBEL BEAUCHAMP | GALLERY FOUNDERS & DIRECTORS

    Founders and Directors of DegreeArt.com an online site as well as an established gallery on Vyner St, representing over 200 emerging Artists all over the world.

  • DAYNA LEE & TED BERNER | FOUNDERS & PRINCIPLE DESIGNERS | POWERSTRIP STUDIOS

    Online editor of Art Wednesday, an arts and culture platform which aims to get you to try, explore and discover creative new things by providing the content, products and experiences you deserve to know about.

  • ZOE LAUGHLIN | CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE OF MAKING AND THE MATERIALS LIBRARY PORJECT

    Amira Hashish is the digital features editor and weekly Homes & Property columnist at the London Evening Standard. She is also a design writer for the Independent, property expert for Waitrose Weekend and a TV personality on London Live.

    A renowned industry voice on all things interiors, she can often be spotted on broadcast platforms or hosting live events.

  • CHRIS PENSA | AUCTIONEER

    In 2009 ex-Sotheby's auctioneer Christopher Pensa launched Love Art London, a private membership community offering access to a unique programme of behind-the-scenes events including rare visits to artist studios, high-profile art collections, exclusive curator-led gallery tours & private audiences with inspiring guest speakers. By 2011 Love Art London had become more than just a community for its individual members, it was also fast developing a switched-on corporate clientele for whom it offered a truly tailor-made way to entertain their most valued clients. In 2017 Love Art London relaunched under a new name, PENSA, and the rest is history.

  • RYAN LANJI | CURATOR

    With a background in Film Production and Event Management, Ryan is Creative and Digital Relations for DegreeArt.com as well as an Independent Curator in the sectors of Art, Fashion, Film and Events.