Quay Arts has revealed the winners of the esteemed 2023 OPEN prize.
Steve Baxter (work pictured on the right) has been announced as the overall winner, while Isabelle Kori (work pictured on the left) secured the prestigious Clayden Award.
Surreal sculptures meet nature’s nuances
Steve Baxter, known for his captivating exploration of the geology, geomorphology, and ecosystems of the natural world, clinched the top prize with his surreal sculptures. These artistic pieces beautifully juxtapose permeance and decay in nature with profound mental states such as anxiety, ageing, and frailty.
Baxter expressed his gratitude and excitement,
“I’m really excited about the opportunity of a solo show in the Michael West gallery. It frees me to think, play and create a body of work that enlivens a larger space.
“It gives me the chance to extend the range of the scale of my work, widen its scope and enables it to talk to each other with different voices.
“Thank you to all involved in the excellent Quay Open this year and the selection panel.”
Theatrical worlds from Isabelle Kori
Isabelle Kori, an interdisciplinary artist, captured the Clayden Award for her unique artistic approach.
Drawing inspiration from set design, vintage animation, fairy tales, and cult films, Kori’s work is a sight to behold. She skilfully translates and transforms 2D source materials into immersive 3D worlds, bringing to life ‘attractively grotesque’ characters.
Speaking about her achievement, Kori remarked,
“I am honoured to have had my work shown in The Art of Sculpture with so many amazing artists, and elated to have been chosen for a spot in the Clayden Gallery.
“This will be a wonderful opportunity for me to show my work post-degree, and I am very grateful to Quay Arts.”
A celebrated event for arts and artists
Both artists have shown immense promise and creativity in their respective fields, and their recognition in the 2023 OPEN prize is testament to their talent and the rich diversity of modern art.
With platforms like Quay Arts championing emerging artists, the future of art looks vibrant and full of potential.
Make sure you visit show (ends 8th October) to see the work by all entrants in person. It really is quite incredible.
