The Aldridge Junior Signature Art Prize was first launched by the Aldridge Foundation in partnership with Artellite and sponsored by Callsign, a leading cyber security firm, in 2019. Created to run alongside Artellite's international Signature Prize, the Junior Prize is open exclusively to students we support across the Aldridge family of schools and colleges, all of which are in communities facing socio-economic challenges. An incredible opportunity for young people aged 14-18 to enter a prestigious art competition, giving them the chance to have their artwork displayed alongside a professional exhibition at the Bankside Hotel, London.
Students are invited to submit a piece of artwork in one of the following categories: Fine Art, Photography, Graphics, Film, Textiles. A panel of industry experts select a shortlist of 15 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 and be in with a chance of winning some incredible prizes. The overall winner is offered an internship with Artelllite.
"Taking part in the Junior Art Prize has made me feel really lucky and when I saw my work up, it made me feel really proud and overall amazing. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity." Azel, Darwen Aldridge Community Academy – Winner of the Textiles & Graphics category 2019/20
The competition gives young people an opportunity to enter their work into a professional exhibition – over 170 entries were received and 12 shortlisted artists went on to have their work judged by professionals from the sector, meet artists in the early stages of their careers and see their work professionally hung in a central London exhibition at the Bankside Hotel, alongside finalists of the international Signature Art Prize.
"These are such mature and emotional submissions. The entries and finalists really show the sense of belonging and comfort in their own skin that they have found as part of the Aldridge Foundation.” Isobel Beauchamp, Gallery Director
THE CATEGORY WINNERS
Fine Art Category Winner
Manar Zaini
Baghdad ‘99
59.5cm x 42cm
Oil Paint on Canvas
"I chose to submit this piece as I wanted to raise awareness on the ongoing issues the Middle Eastern people have been facing for some time now - a lifetime for many. I wanted to highlight the beauty of Iraq which unfortunately has been torn to pieces by the media. Growing up, I would listen to stories of Iraq which my family had the pleasure to experience , however since moving to London I have only ever heard negative connotations revolving around the Middle East. As a result, I decided take this opportunity for myself to educate others of the joy and happiness it once had ; to emphasise the pride that others should have to come from a country with so much culture and history which has influenced many today."
Photography Category Winner:
Riley Smith
Forth World View
24.5cm x 47.41cm
Snapseed
Taken at St. James Tram Stop.
"I grew up with only one photographer in the family and instantly took to the art of photography. I also love the editing process involved in both photography and film; making a story with my photography."
Graphics Category Winner:
Euan Taylor
Ukraine
34cm x 24cm
Hand collage and photoshop
"A collage made about the current crisis involving Russia and Ukraine.
I usually like to draw images in my spare time using my pencil and sketchbook, however in recent times I have discovered and experimented in different types of art during my graphic lessons. From knowing little to nothing about certain softwares such as photoshop and illustrator, I have learnt and improved my skills by creating various types of different work and art, using these softwares."
Film Category Winner:
Holly Jones & Ella Moorhouse
SPIKED
Film
Sony, Adobe Premiere Pro
FILM LINK
"This is a short story about a young male being spiked at a party. We did this to subvert gender roles.
We are young and aspiring filmmakers who wants to leave the audience on the edge of their seats with everything I do. We have always been creative and grew up around a very creative scene which really influenced us growing up and helped us expand on our creative skills.
We believe this is a well filmed and interesting short film which will interest our audience as well as give understanding that males are can also a target to being spiked."
Textiles Category Winner:
Mai Yu
Family Portrait
55 x 70 cm
Calico, water colour, machine and hand embroidery
"Being of Chinese decent, but living in England, my cultural heritage has always intrigued me, especially how it differs from Western culture. Whilst looking into my two cultural backgrounds, I decided to investigate the significance of flowers and how they hold different meanings. I was inspired by the work of Jessica Tang who incorporates traditional Chinese prints into her portraits but chose to include our British heritage by using the British flowers associated with the months of our birth to represent each member of my family.
I have always loved being creative and opted for art at GCSE, and both Art & Design and Photography at A Level. I am currently completing my first year at the University for the Arts, London studying Fashion Textiles: Embroidery. Being Chinese British, my cultural heritage is important to me and a great source of inspiration in my work.
This piece of work is very personal to me as the photograph of this family portrait hangs with pride in our living room. The scale and level of detail, although time consuming and at times, laborious, was completed in homage to my family as they are very dear to me. Embroidery is what I have chosen to study at university so this fact, along with being a dedication to my family, is the reason why this is my signature piece."
For all enquiries, please contact Jahnai Hall | Jahnai@Artellite.co.uk 020 7301 7412
To learn more about the prize, please visit: Aldridge Junior Prize
