Emma Louise Holloway (MA Drawing, Wimbledon College of Arts alumni) reports back on being shortlisted for the new Refresh Art Award
Applying for the award
I first saw the Refresh Art Award in the Post-Grad Community newsletter. I loved the premise of it, that contemporary life isn't often represented in exhibitions, and therefore the image of fine art doesn't seem to change with the times.
I've applied for so many open calls since I graduated and had been rejected from all of them. I've been finding it really challenging to find where my practice fits in with the contemporary art world.
Georgina and Shefali who are the running the award are both artists and are really empathetic about the challenges of rejection. Every single artwork entered for the award will be available in an online show, which is up now, and all the work is available to purchase.
My Practice
I use drawing as a tool for depiction and interrogation. In my recent work I've tried to use my research and drawing practice to uncover a lineage of hidden draughtswomen within art history and interrogate what a 'master' drawing is.
I am also fascinated by what art history and the art world decide is valid artistic output. I collect scraps, scribbles, studio ephemera and marginalia, exploring how to mount and present them as a potentially more authentic fine art practice.
What's next
The exhibition opens with a private view where the awards will be announced.
There's the Refresh Art Award which is £3,000, and two £300 prizes, a Drawing Special Mention and 'A Prize for Our Times'.
The exhibition
See all shortlisted artists at the Refresh exhibition:
6 -11 June 2019
5th Base Gallery, 23 Heneage Street, London E1 5LJ
Private view: 6 June, 6 - 9pm
Open daily Friday - Monday 12pm - 6pm, Monday 12pm - 4pm
See more of Emma's work on her website or follow her on Instagram
The Refresh Art Award shortlist also features the work of other UAL alumni, including Fred Fabre (MA Fine Art, Chelsea)
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