The Highland Society of London and Wasps Studios are delighted to announce that Crofts at South Dell/Croitean aig Dail bho Dheas by David Greenall from An Lanntair/Open Studios Hebrides is the winner of the 2023 Highland Art Prize. The winner was announced by competition judge Ishbel Murray, artist and art teacher based on the Isle of Lewis, at the prize-giving ceremony in Glasgow on Friday 20th October.
Hosted at Scotland’s provider of creative spaces Wasps’ venue The Briggait, in conjunction with the Royal National Mòd, the prize-giving was attended by many of the 74 artists from 16 art organisations across the Highlands and Islands who had submitted artworks to this annual exhibition and competition. Lady Of The Flowers by Leah Davis from the Society of Caithness Artists was also highly commended by Ishbel Murray.
Welcoming everyone to The Briggait, Audrey Carlin (CEO, Wasps Studios) said: “It is Wasps’ pleasure to host the Highland Art Prize this year, and be in a position to host Highland Art Prize winner for 2022 David Page’s stunning exhibition. The Briggait has been bristling with colour and energy. We were delighted with such a strong turnout on the day, making the Highland Art Prize announcement all the more enjoyable. Congratulations to our winner and to all entrants. The quality and diversity of works has been extraordinary. It seems that the Highland Art Prize has a bright future.”
Introducing the awards ceremony, Maggie Cunningham (President of An Comunn Gàidhealach, organisers of the Royal National Mòd) added that: “Visual arts are an integral part of Gaelic culture, and An Comunn Gàidhealach are delighted with the success of the Highland Art Prize and look forward to working together for many years to come.”
Announcing the winner of the 2023 Highland Art Prize, Ishbel Murray commented that: “David’s artwork captures the atmospheric essence of this crofting location by the sea through a highly sensitive use of colour involving the demanding method of blending pigment and wax to achieve a shimmering effect in an image that has been beautifully reduced to its essential elements.”
The winning artist receives £1,000 (to be shared with their local art organisation), plus an exhibition opportunity at The Briggait in Glasgow, courtesy of Wasps, a charity and social enterprise that provides studio spaces to artists and creators across Scotland. The 2023 Highland Art Prize was also supported by Renfrewshire Council and Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
