Huge congratulations go to Ventnor-based artist Albedo Marz, whose large-scale painting Walk On By has been shortlisted for Stage Two of the prestigious John Moores Painting Prize 2025.
This next stage brings him a step closer to selection for the final exhibition, as jurors now decide which works will be included.
Celebrating contemporary British painting
The John Moores Painting Prize celebrates the best in contemporary British painting.
It supports artists from across the UK, whether undiscovered, emerging or well established, offering a national platform for work that inspires, challenges, or redefines current practice.
More than six decades of creative output
Islanders may recall the 2023 retrospective of Albedo Marz’s six-decade career, held at art_house_life during the Ventnor Fringe Festival.
The exhibition featured drawings, paintings, collages, constructions and prints, chosen to reflect the artist’s consistent and wide-ranging themes and techniques. Many visitors remarked on the ambition and scale of the archive.
View Walk On By this weekend
Albedo Marz’s shortlisted work Walk On By will be on public display at Art-House-Life’s working studio, in Osborne Stable Block, East Cowes.
It forms part of Isle of Wight Open Studios and will be open from 11am to 4pm, between 23rd and 26th May.
Highly competitive shortlist
The John Moores Painting Prize committee said,
“We received a huge number of submissions this year and the standard was very competitive.”
Juror Zoe Whitley said,
“What a privilege to spend time reviewing such a wide cross-section of contemporary painting practice. It’s a huge responsibility. Thank you to each and every anonymous submission for being willing to share what painting, for you, might mean today.
“From joyous expressions to vented frustrations, formal experiments to classical homages and careful observations, I have tremendous admiration for the perspectives of artists and how you each help us to see differently.”
Recognition for Island creativity
This national recognition for Albedo Marz is a proud moment for the Island’s creative community.
Many across the Isle of Wight art scene will be hoping to see his work selected for the final exhibition.
