Brave Island and Quay Arts have teamed up once again to run the Isle of Wight Young Artist Award 2026.
On show in the Clayden Gallery
Young people aged 14-25 submitted their artwork of any theme or medium to be showcased in a professional setting, which is on display at Quay Arts until Saturday 14th November.
The exhibition is open everyday, from 9am – 4pm in the Clayden Gallery.
Giving young creatives a platform
This is the fifth Young Artist Award, set up by Brave Island in 2022 to give young creatives the opportunity to showcase their work outside of school, college, or university, and for many it was the first time they’d had the chance to see their work in a gallery. This exhibition gives a way for young people to get their artwork in the public eye in a supportive environment.
The winning work
The Young Artist of the Year 2026 is Rina Syeda (age 21). Rina’s work stood out to the judges because of her statement about the work and the powerful meaning behind it:
“‘Is this me? Who am I?’ (2025). With this painting I attempted to encompass the facial dysmorphia I felt as I grew up and my face changed.
“The many days I looked into the mirror and saw a stranger staring back at me. It seemed to me as if overnight I had morphed into an adult woman and lost my childlike features.
“I began seeing my face warp into the faces of all my family members that I hold dear to me. I tried to capture that feeling of growing up and no longer knowing who you are through the distortion of facial features.”
There was a lot of amazing work submitted this year, of varying styles and mediums, but after careful consideration from the Brave Island and Quay Arts team, Rina was chosen as the artist to receive the award, created by KReative Studios.
Rina’s reaction
On receiving the award, Rina said,
“I’m incredibly delighted that my work was deserving of this award. I recently took courage to begin my art career after being told it wouldn’t be a “real career” in today’s day and age and I’m beyond grateful to receive such praise upon starting out, filling the start of my journey with positivity!”
About Brave Island
Brave Island is an online platform, set up by Ventnor Exchange, to provide free creative opportunities for 14-25 year olds living on the Isle of Wight.
There are new opportunities every week on Brave Island from mentoring and training, to paid jobs and commissions.
Sign up at braveisland.uk for free to get involved.
News shared by Megan on behalf of Brave Island. Ed
