31 October 2012

DJCAD graduate shortlisted for Griffin Art Prize 2012

Pic shows one of Ross' paintings, 'The Embalming Pool'

Ross Brown, a graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD), is in the running to become the first winner of a prize offered by an illustrious gallery and supported by some of the world's leading fine art brands.

Ross (26), who obtained both a First Class undergraduate degree and Master of Fine Art with distinction from DJCAD, is one of 10 artists shortlisted for the Griffin Art Prize 2012. The new painting and drawing award dedicated to supporting emerging talent offers one winner a six-month studio residency culminating in a solo show at London's Griffin Gallery in September 2013.

More than 200 entries were received, and the shortlist was chosen by the judging panel, which includes internationally renowned painter Ian Davenport, director of London's CHARLIE SMITH gallery, Zavier Ellis, Art Foundation chair Jenny Lindén Urnes, and award-winning journalist Deborah Orr.

Materials brands Winsor & Newton, Liquitex and Conté à Paris launched the Griffin Art Prize as part of their long-term commitment to sustaining and nurturing new talent in painting and drawing.

Allia Rizvi, representing the brands, said, "Quality, innovation and potential were the key criteria when it came to short-listing the entries. With such a high standard overall, making it onto the shortlist is a fantastic achievement - not least as the exhibition of their work will be a showcase for collectors, critics, art world professionals and the general public alike.

"There is a wide variety of styles amongst these graduates, but all demonstrate a lively engagement with materials and an over-arching need to communicate their ideas - which is exciting to see."

Ross says his work investigates the fragments of Modernity that remain within our present-day built landscape, through a parallel examination of the medium of painting itself. He will find out if he is the overall winner at a private viewing of an exhibition showcasing the shortlisted artists' work, which taking place on 7th November at the Griffin Gallery.

Following the announcement of the winner, the winning artist will commence their six month working residency during March 2013. The studio is located next to a state of the art Innovation & Development department, where chemists work on the development of fine art products creating a unique position of having fine art materials' expertise on the doorstep.

For further details on the Griffin Art Prize 2012 and the shortlisted artists, please visit www.griffingallery.co.uk.

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