THE 2024 ALDRIDGE JUNIOR SIGNATURE ART PRIZE
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AND SUPPORTING STUDENT TALENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ALDRIDGE FOUNDATION & DEGREEART GALLERY.
This week we held the 5th annual Junior Signature Art Prize. In 2019. The Aldridge Junior Signature Art Prize was created in partnership with DegreeArt.com and the Bankside Hotel. It aims to inspire young people and give them the confidence and knowledge to raise their aspirations and explore how their talent could lead to a career in the arts or creative industries.
Students are invited to submit a piece of artwork in one of the five categories and a panel of industry experts select a shortlist of 25 artists who are invited to visit some of London’s top galleries, see what goes on behind the scenes of an art exhibition, attend a special preview event at the Bankside Hotel – London’s ‘Art Hotel’ – on the renowned South Bank, a stone’s throw from the Tate Modern.
The Signature Art Prize was established by art dealers and Gallery Directors, Isobel Beauchamp and Elinor Olisa, in 2006 to celebrate and identify emerging artists’ ‘Signature Style’. As those who have ever visited a university degree show will be aware, there is remarkable talent and high standards on show and the Signature Art Prize aims to capture this energy and assist young artists in exhibiting and promoting their work in an often-challenging art world.
THE 2024 WINNERS
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FINE ART
Winner: Izma Tanveer
School: Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, Aldridge Alumni
Title: Blue
Description:
I'm currently studying games design at Salford University , my inspiration whilst studying at DACA was inspired by my culture , my earliest memories in Pakistan and the family that I left behind, when I came to study in the UK . I paint in a graphic style and used Acrylic paints mainly.This portrait employs various shades of blue to depict a childhood friend grown up, capturing the essence of a lost connection from the past. The varying blues evoke a dreamy atmosphere, while the captivating green eyes draw you into the painting, urging you to pause and truly absorb its essence. For me, this painting symbolises the melancholy of losing that childhood connection.
I chose this picture as it looks like its been created on the computer, but its not it has been painted with acrylic paints and it took several hours to complete .
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GRAPHICES
Winner: Jo Barber
School: UTC@MEDIACITYUK, YEAR 12
Title: Car Park
Description:
My inspiration for the piece is from films like Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Looney tunes back in action (2003) , monkey bone (2001) and space jam (1996). All of these films have something in common - they combine animation with reality which is called a live-action animated film.Using this theme and my love of Looney Tunes, I have combined Looney Tunes with an everyday scene. I'm autistic and have an intense, three year long hyper fixation on Looney Tunes.
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PHOTOGRAPHY
Winner: Leo Borg
School:DARWEN ALDRIDGE ENTERPRISE STUDIO | SCHOOL, YEAR 12
Title: Conflict
Description:
As an aspiring artist in the early stages of my creative journey, I find myself immersed in the dynamic world of visual arts. Currently navigating the vibrant realm of A Levels at Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio, my academic pursuits revolve around the trifecta of photography, graphic design, and film. This eclectic blend of disciplines serves as my canvas, allowing me to explore and express my artistic voice through various mediums.During a shoot in Manchester, I aimed to capture the dynamic street life. Amidst the diverse crowd, I deliberately photographed a person in conflict, sparking a series of impactful images that portrayed not only the subject but also the reactions of onlookers. This departure from my small town photography granted me creative freedom and a fresh perspective, showcasing the rich storytelling potential of urban environments.
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FILM
Winner: SEBASTIAN DOS RAMOS
School: UTC@MEDIACITYUK, YEAR 11
Title: VENTANA
Description:
In the film I directed, "Ventana," a captivating story takes place as a young lead stealthily enters his old home, motivated by a strong desire to locate a misplaced document. This crucial article provides indisputable proof of foul play, which is the key to revealing the truth behind his father's tragic death. The title "Ventana," which plays on the Spanish word for window, sums up the main plot points. It represents a line that divides the past and present and is similar to the protagonist's covert entrance into the house. Each creaking floorboard turns into a possible revelation as I lead the audience through this suspenseful journey, transforming "Ventana" into a cinematic experience that explores themes of justice, loss, and resiliency. -
TEXTILES + SCULPTURE
Winner: EMILI KANCHEVSKA
School: KENSINGTON ALDRIDGE ACADEMY, YEAR 12
Title: SARMA -A DISH FROM HOME
Description:
I made this piece specifically for this competition and choose to submit it because I feel it perfectly encapsulates the title of my “Signature Art”. This Macedonian winter staple represents a large part of who I am because no matter how many years pass, how many countries I visit or move to, I will always be a Macedonian. Moving to the UK was not easy, considering how sudden the change was for my family, and eating Sarma with my family takes me home; it brings back all those memories of warm winter dinners with my family. It is the most comforting feeling and I will forever treasure those precious memories. Most importantly, I want viewers to feel inspired by my piece to connect with their own heritage and take pride in their culture, whatever it may be.This piece took up many weekends of continuous trial and error but I persevered and am quite proud with the overall result.