20 May 2010
Duncan of Jordanstone pair in the frame for new Queen's portrait
Two artists with strong links to Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design are in the running to create a new photographic portrait of the Queen.
Carolyn Scott, currently a Master of Fine Art student at DJCAD, and Chris Park, who graduated with a Fine Art degree in 2006, are among the five photographers to be shortlisted in the competition, which was commissioned by the Scottish Parliament.
DJCAD, part of the University of Dundee, responded to the Parliament's invitation for all art schools in Scotland to propose a maximum of two Masters students or recent graduates for the competition. All candidates were asked to submit evidence of their work and the outline of their proposal for the photographic portrait.
All shortlisted artists will deliver a 20-minute presentation to the judging panel on Friday, May 21st. This will include visuals, details of their artistic practice to date, current work and their proposal for the commission. The commissioned photographer will be announced later this month.
Carolyn (62), who is originally from Edinburgh and now lives in Cupar, says she is 'absolutely thrilled' to have got to this stage.
'It's great for Duncan of Jordanstone to have the two of us in the final shortlist,' she said. 'It’s quite a daunting prospect having to go through and deliver such an extensive presentation, but I'm sure it will be a great experience.
'I was recommended by staff at the College to enter the competition and had to submit six images, along with a basic proposal. The fact I am now on the final shortlist is quite amazing as I hadn't studied art before coming here as a mature student in 2005.
'It was something I'd always wanted to do and I’m now completing my Masters and may even end up being commissioned to create a portrait of The Queen!'
Carolyn also recently received the Hope Scott Trust Postgraduate Award at the RSA New Contemporaries exhibition, which showcases the best works from Degree Shows at all Scottish art schools last year.
Chris (27), originally from Lisburn, now lives and works in Edinburgh. He explained that he was put forward by staff at DJCAD who remembered his work and felt he stood a good chance of success in the competition.
'It was a total surprise when I received a call to tell me I had been recommended for the competition,” he said. 'When you are working hard and that work leads to the next logical stage it’s one thing, but when something like this comes out of the blue it's exciting to say the least.
'Duncan of Jordanstone is one of the very best art schools around and it is an honour just to be selected as one of only two candidates from an institution that has clearly nurtured many talented individuals.
'All I can say is that I have a one-in-five chance at this stage and am looking forward to the presentation. The central theme in my presentation is one of unity, and I am happy with my concept so we’ll just have to see what happens.'
The pair responded to a brief challenging them to 'create an engaging and innovative photographic portrait of Her Majesty The Queen that reflects on her relationship with the Scottish Parliament and her links with Scotland'. The portrait will be displayed in the Scottish Parliament and will form part of the permanent Scottish Parliament Art Collections.
A location for the portrait sitting within the Palace of Holyroodhouse will be agreed by the commissioned photographer, the commissioning panel and the Royal Household. Site visits will be arranged ahead of the portrait sitting.
The selection of the final portrait from the photo shoot will be carried out by the commissioning panel, the commissioned photographer and the Royal Household.
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University of Dundee
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