The winner of the Liverpool Art Prize 2008, Imogen Stidworthy, is one of only 4 artists to be shortlisted for the Northern Art Prize.
Here’s a report from the Liverpool Daily Post..
TWO Liverpool artists have been shortlisted for the Northern Art Prize. Imogen Stidworthy and Paul Rooney are up against Leeds artist Clare Charnely and Saltburn-based Richard Forster.
The finalists for the prize, described as “a celebration of artists working in the North today” and just in its second year, were whittled down from a long list of 23 after being nominated by curators.
An exhibition showcasing the work of each of the artists is now open at Leeds Art Gallery, ahead of the winner being announced at a prize-giving event on January 15.
Stidworthy won the 2008 Liverpool Art Prize back in May, and works from her studio in the city centre Static Gallery.
She said: “It’s very nice to be shortlisted as the prize covers the whole of the North, and particularly to be nominated, which came out of the blue.”
Her work Documenta 12 is on display in Leeds for the first time in the UK; back in Liverpool, she is working on a new piece for the upcoming Next Up exhibition at the Bluecoat, from December 11.
Paul Rooney was born in Liverpool and studied in Edinburgh before moving back to his home city in 1993. His audio work has been played on BBC Radio 1 and his solo and group art projects feature in galleries all over the world.
Two of his film works can be seen in Leeds; he will also exhibit at home at Tate Liverpool as part of its new exhibition The Fifth Floor – Ideas Taking Space from December 16. Before then, on November 29, he will be launching his new book, Wrongteous at A Foundation, with a “non event”.
Edited by Rooney and Leo Fitzmaurice, the book features fiction and work from artists from Liverpool and beyond.
He said: “It’s nice just to be recognised and initially get nominated.
“It’s that little bit of recognition from your peers and the art world. It’s only a new prize, but it would be nice if it lasts a few years and builds on its reputation.”
The winner of the Northern Art Prize will receive £16,500, with the runners-up receiving £1,500.
The Northern Art Prize exhibition is on at Leeds Art Gallery until February 1, 2009.