The judging has now concluded at the private viewing of our Abstract Open Competition, an event that celebrated the innovative and imaginative works of our talented members. This competition invited artists to push the boundaries of creativity, showcasing emerging trends and new approaches across a variety of mediums. The prize-giving ceremony took place 18th January at the East Lodge Gallery, where we honoured the winners..
Reflections from the Judges
The judging panel for this year’s competition comprised Johnathan Branson and Paul Roberts from Warwick District Council, alongside Faith Matthews from ‘Art Friends Warwickshire.’ Their expert evaluations highlighted the exceptional quality and creativity of the submissions. Below are the judges’ comments on the award-winning pieces:
Suminder Virk (#8 – Highly Commended Prize)
“This piece is deceptively simple yet masterfully executed – that demonstrates a confident command of composition and technique. The artist’s assured application of paint reflects a deep understanding of their medium, resulting in a visually harmonious creation that is both compelling and pleasing to the viewer.” – Johnathan Branson
Susan Littlewood (#89 – Highly Commended Prize)
“The composition is striking, commanding attention with its dynamic and well-thought-out structure. The variety of bold and confident brushstrokes and diverse techniques create a compelling visual rhythm. The colour palette is both considered and expertly resolved, showcasing a harmonious balance that enhances the abstract nature of the work. Each element contributes to a cohesive whole, making it a truly captivating and thought-provoking composition.” – Johnathan Branson
Christopher Gibbons (#92 – 2nd Prize)
“This piece is a brilliantly composed image, masterfully crafted to captivate the viewer’s attention. The work carries a strong resemblance to the aesthetic sensibilities of John Piper, evoking his signature interplay of architectural precision and expressive painterly gestures. The loose and dynamic application of paint injects the work with a sense of energy and spontaneity, creating a vivid contrast against the structured architectural references. This interplay between freedom and form serves to draw the viewer deeper into the painting, inviting prolonged contemplation. The layers of texture and colour suggest a narrative quality, as if the artist is reconstructing memories or impressions of a specific place, imbuing the scene with emotional resonance.” – Johnathan Branson
Giuseppe Pittarello (#16 – 1st Prize)
“The panel unanimously agreed that this piece is bold, confident, engaging, and expressive, showcasing a striking command of abstract visual language. While it deliberately avoids representational imagery, it manages to evoke a sense of familiarity and comfort, drawing the viewer into its world with surprising ease. This balance between abstraction and accessibility is a testament to the artist’s ability to communicate emotion and atmosphere without relying on literal forms.” – Johnathan Branson
Celebrating Creativity and Imagination
This year’s Abstract Open Competition exemplified the power of abstract expression to challenge traditional notions of art, fostering emotional connections and sparking personal journeys of discovery. We extend our gratitude to all participants and congratulate the winners for their outstanding contributions to this celebration of human imagination.
The exhibition can be enjoyed at the East Lodge until 9th February 2025. For more details click here.