SALON is an exhibition of recent painting by 10 young artists who live, work
or have studied in London. Each of the painters were selected because their
work displayed, amongst other criteria, evidence of a re-conceptualisation
in painting, thus allowing the medium to remain a vital, vibrant and
original force for the new Millenium and beyond. The Centre of Attention is pleased to announce the ten artists who have been
shortlisted for this years Painting Prize. The artists are Mel Brimfield, Luke Caulfield, Claire Heathcote, Wawa Kosugi, Josie McCoy, Gary ODwyer, Catherine Rive, June Sira, George Toth and Markus Vater.
Mel Brimfield is a MA graduate from Chelsea School of Art. Her customised
painted record sleeves play with the imagery of music.
Luke Caulfield is a recent graduate from Slade. His work was shortlisted in
last years John Moores Liverpool Exhibition. He is at the vanguard of a new
photo-realism in painting.
Claire Heathcote is a graduate from Goldsmiths College where she studied
Textile. Her work looks at the way thread can transform from a drawing tool
to a medium able to say something about the person being drawn.
Wawa Kosugi is a graduate from St Martins. He participated in the Centre of
Attention Magazine show earlier this year. He lives and works in Japan.
Josie McCoy is a MA graduate from St Martins. Her work was shown in 1999 in
Artfutures at the Royal Festival Hall, included in the BP Portrait Awards
2000 at the National Portrait Gallery and the Dazed and Confused Gallery
earlier this year.
Gary ODwyer studied Critical Theory at Sussex University and Fine Art at St
Martins. His work was selected for the BT Annual Art Exhibition this year.
He also exhibited at the Stuff Gallery and the Dalston Underground. He is
Co-Director and Curator at the Centre of Attention. He is unlikely to win.
Catherine Rive is an MA graduate from Winchester School of Art. She had a
solo show in 1999 at the Centre of Attention and exhibited this year at
Trinity Buoy Wharf.
June Sira is a MA graduate from Chelsea College of Art. Her background is in
printing and sculpture. She is one of the three UK graduates shortlisted for
this years UBS Art Award. Her work is also exhibited in December at the
Whitechapel Art Gallery.
George Toth is a recent MA graduate from Goldsmiths College. Last year, he
exhibited at the Transmission Gallery in Glasgow, while in 2000 he curated a
show at the Rich and Famous gallery and took part in the Assembly show in
Stepney. His paintings are also on Britart.com.
Markus Vater studied Art History and Philosophy in Trier and Fine Art at the
Kunstakademie of Muenster and Duesseldorf. He recently completed his MA in
painting at the Royal College of Art, where his work was singled out by many
critics.
Unlike any other Prize, the Centre of Attention Painting Prize is determined
by members of the viewing public. Cast your vote by visiting the SALON at
Identity-UK (11a Kingland Road, London E2), viewing the work and voting for
the best amongst emergent new talent. You are the judge. You will also be
able to record your vote on the Centre of Attention website from Friday 1st
December until 13th January 2001.
IMAGE:
Markus Vater
Spaceshipbattle on a horse, 2000
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