Two thrilling new exhibitions have been unveiled at Huddersfield Art Gallery in their current premises at Unit 7 on The Piazza.
Once more, Huddersfield has played host to the Contemporary British Painting (CBP) Prize exhibition, which applauds the diversity, dynamism, and excellence of the contemporary British Painting scene. The competition has been held in Huddersfield since its inception in 2016.
The 2023 competition saw a total of 1000 submissions, which were narrowed down to a shortlist of 16 paintings, now on display at Huddersfield Art Gallery before they are relocated to Thames-side Gallery in London.
The artists selected for the shortlist are Karolina Albricht, Robbie Bushe, Benjamin Deakin, Marcus Jefferies, Rich Jellyman, Lee Johnson, Allyson Keehan, Lee Maelzer, Melanie Miller, David Orme, Rosey Prince, Ellen Ranson, Claude Temin-Vergez, Emma Tod, Twinkle Troughton, and Suzy Willey.
The judging took place on Saturday 23rd September by Beth Hughes (Independent Curator and Researcher), Caroline Walker (Artist), and Grant Scanlan (Curator at Huddersfield Art Gallery).
The recipient of the £8000 prize from CBP was announced as Richard Jellyman, whose paintings draw on internet culture and utilise technology like AI to generate his subject matter.
Robbie Bushe’s work also received high commendation, and the artist will be awarded a £2000 prize, while the remaining shortlisted artists will each receive £400 for their competition entries from CBP.
Also currently on view is “Bygone Times – Memories of an Artist Growing Up in a Northern Town,” an exhibition showcasing the artwork of Glen Williams, whose evocative and nostalgic paintings are distinctly Northern.
Glen, a figurative artist, was born in Rotherham but now resides in Huddersfield. Despite obtaining a fine art degree over 40 years ago in the 1970s, it is only in recent years that he has returned to painting. His work revolves around depictions of humans living and working in cities and towns, employing a range of media and materials, including recycled materials.
Councillor Yusra Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Greener Kirklees, said; “Kirklees Council is thrilled to play host to the Contemporary British Painting Prize once again before the exhibition travels to London. Our ongoing partnership with the CBP is a testament to the national reputation of Huddersfield Art Gallery for championing contemporary painting.
“We are also very proud to promote local artistic talent and therefore delighted to be showing an exhibition of work by Huddersfield-based artist Glen Williams.
“I hope the people of Kirklees and beyond will visit the gallery to enjoy the free and accessible works of art to inspire creativity, aspiration and well-being.”
Both exhibitions are currently open at Huddersfield Art Gallery until Saturday 11th November: Unit 7, The Piazza Shopping Centre, Princess Alexandra Walk, Huddersfield, HD1 2RS, with level access. The Art Gallery welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Saturday, between 11 am and 4 pm.
