A WINCHESTER artist has been shortlisted for an award for his large-scale photographic work.

Selected from over 1,600 entrants, Edward Rollitt has been announced amongst the 10 finalists of this year’s Robert Walters Group UK New Artist of the Year Award. 

The winner of the £10,000 award will be announced on November 9 at the Saatchi Gallery, London.

The award sets out to discover emerging artists who are representative of contemporary Britain, and brings together three organisations – global recruitment consultancy Robert Walters Group, arts charity UK New Artists, and contemporary art platform Saatchi Gallery.

Edward submitted Lucei De Yavington, impressing the judges with the handling of this years’ brief, which asked artists to investigate the deceptions of ‘something better’ that can befall individuals as they impart on their journey towards the fulfilment of their own unique potential and the attainment of their lifelong dreams.

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Edward said: "I am expressing my experience of the present age through distorted and subverted visions of the past. To look inwards is to find peace, to look inwards is also to find distress and trauma, our inner emotions are reality and I find making art the way to connect to that reality. The characters that inhabit my rooms are feelings; of sorrow, that yearning for home, of loneliness and desire. The characters are parts of me. I am the plate that is cracked, the red healed velvet shoes and the rickety old chair.’’

Toby Fowlston, CEO of Robert Walters Group, said: “We’re now in our fourth year running this award and each year brings with it a new set of fantastic artists and inspiring bodies of work – and this years’ shortlist has not disappointed.

“The ethos behind the awards is to provide opportunities for ambitious professionals to achieve their potential – a sentiment that is foundational to our business, so we are proud to be working alongside UK New Artists and Saatchi Gallery on this important initiative. We truly believe it will help launch the careers of the next generation of exceptional UK artists.” 

Michelle Bowen, director of UK New Artists, said: ''The Robert Walters Group UK New Artist of the Year Award 2023 is a wonderful barometer of contemporary visual art being made across the UK today. I think this year our shortlisted artists all share a unique perspective on the world and their work is compelling, engaging and inspiring. UKNA is proud to be able to support talented new artists and watch as their careers grow and blossom.''