The 2021 Freelands Painting Prize presented an exhibition of ten winning works by artists studying across the UK.
The virtual tour was scanned and produced by The Net Gallery
The 2021 jury of influential figures in the art sector were struck by interesting trends in the works submitted. Many of the paintings were smaller in scale than those submitted in the previous year, a response to the domestic spaces the students found themselves in during national lockdowns. These art students found new spaces to paint, both literally and metaphorically, and developed new and inspiring ways of making their work.
The exhibition was accompanied by a publication featuring an essay by Jennifer Higgie.
For the autumn issue of our quarterly newsletter, FOCUS, we spoke to each of the students about people who have inspired their work.
Sunim Rai, The Movers' Boxes, mixed media, cardboard and charcoal, three cardboard boxes, 2021. Photo: Maria-Alejandra Huicho
The winning students were nominated by:
Liverpool Hope University – Sophie Baskerville
University of Reading – Tom Hall Boehringer
Goldsmiths, University of London – Eleanor Daly
University of Derby – Richard Dražan
Norwich University of the Arts – Rebecca Foster-Clarke
Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton – Mabelle Furlong
Newcastle University – Freddie Ingoldby
City and Guilds of London Art School – Augusta Lardy
Gray’s School of Art, Robert Gordon University – Nicola McManus
Middlesex University – Sunim Rai
The 2021 jury discuss the Freelands Painting Prize 2021:
Jennifer Higgie (writer and editor-at-large, frieze)
“I’m honoured to be on the jury for the Freelands Painting Prize 2021. After a devastating year, it's more important than ever to honour the importance of creativity in understanding – and reflecting upon – the world. I applaud the students around the UK who have kept painting, despite the terrible difficulties so many of them have faced.”
Joe Hill (Director, Towner Eastbourne)
“At this challenging time for art students, I am delighted to have been selected to judge such an important prize championing new painters.”
Painter, Matthew Krishanu
“I am excited that painting is thriving in art schools in the UK and look forward to seeing the diversity of approaches and positions people are taking today. It’s a privilege to review works by some of this year’s standout painters and select paintings for an exhibition at the Freelands Foundation gallery.”
Ralph Rugoff (Director, Hayward Gallery)
“I have a special interest in painting and I'm very excited to be part of the jury for this new prize, which comes at a moment when the UK has emerged as one of the key international hubs of contemporary painting.”
