The Aesthetica Art Prize is one of the UK’s most prestigious awards for creative talent. The annual competition has continued to succeed and demonstrate excellence across the globe. Previous alumni have achieved further exhibitions at Barbican, Centre Pompidou, Guggenheim, MoMa, Tate Modern and more and have picked up awards that include the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize, Prix Elysée and the Jarman Award. Here, we provide a first-look at the artists who are redefining the parameters of contemporary art.
This year’s practitioners include the Sony World Photographer of the Year, Edgar Martins, Heather Agyepong, Foam Talent and Jerwood winner and Yevhen Samuchenko recommended by CNN. The exhibition brings together 21 global luminaries in an astounding exhibition that directly confronts life itoday. From beautiful universal human moments to a lack of regulation of internet culture and the destruction of our planet’s oceans, this year’s shortlist and longlist push the boundaries of form and genre.
This year’s nominees prompt viewers to consider important questions about the evolving relationship between humans and the natural world, the fluidity of medium, and the power of claiming identity. Featured artists include photographers Jee Young Lee, whose photography series Stage of Mind plays with scale and surrealist elements, and Margeaux Walter, whose series Don’t Be a Square asks questions about layering and liminal spaces. Film is widely represented, including works by artists Hussina Raja, Kenji Ouellet, and Antonia Luxem. Innovative sculptural works fill the gallery space, including works by Mo H. Zareei and Cinzia Campolese. Many of the artists featured blur the boundaries between digital and analogue media, prompting viewers to think about the overlap between different types of artworks.
Winners receive £10,000 prize money, exhibition and publication as well as further opportunities for development. This year, an esteemed jury comprising names such as Larry Achiampong, Maryam Wahid, Ori Gersht and Yuri Suzuki, as well as creatives from Tate Modern, Barbican, Guggenheim, Brooklyn Museum, British Journal of Photography, Frieze and more will select the winning work. The Jury is looking for artists who will inspire attendees to see the world in vibrant and revolutionary new ways.
Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica explains, “Many of the pieces draw attention to issues such as the climate crisis, the impact of technology, colonial legacies and inequality. These works are active rather than passive, and, together, they create a dialogue that defies existing paradigms and contributes to the progression of the human story. These artists will influence generations to come.”
At Aesthetica, we believe that art is a powerful agent of change. Throughout history it has influenced societies, challenged norms, questioned the status quo, raised awareness and prompted new perspectives. These works draw attention to issues such as the climate crisis, the impact of technology, colonial legacies and inequality. These are voices that advocate urgent action. Together, they create a dialogue that defies existing paradigms and contributes to the progression of the human story. These artists capture the essence of our time and are guaranteed to influence future generations to come.
Aesthetica Art Prize 2024 | 16 February – 21 April
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Image Credits:
Kriss Munsya, Dysfunctional Intentions (2022). From the series Genetic Bomb. C-type print.
Juice Bar (2022), Margeaux Walter
Don’t Be a Square (2022), Margeaux Walter
