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( Last Updated: 15-10-2008 )
Carnivalesque canvases, Jesse James' treasure chest, charcoal cats and birds, and drawings inspired by the Russian Revolution were just some of the imaginative pieces that had been shortlisted for the Midas Award 2008, the unanimous winner of which was announced as George Morgan at Newlyn Art Gallery on Friday evening.
Initially established three years ago by Artonomy Fine Art and property services company, Midas Group in conjunction with University College Falmouth (UCF) as a means of helping the most talented of Cornwall's emerging artists to launch their professional careers and reach new audiences. The coveted prize offers one UCF graduate a funded studio space at Krowji, the cluster of creative studios, workspaces and offices based at the former Grammar School in Redruth, and professional development support from UCF's Business Fellow in Visual Arts, Sara Bowler and Creative Skills.
The seven semi-finalists - Matt Ayling, Chantal Brooks, Craig Dixon, Richard Drury, Lise Hovesen, George Morgan and Charlotte Williams, whose work will be on show to the public at Newlyn Art Gallery from 11 October to 1 November - were selected by an expert panel of judges during UCF's annual graduate show in June.
The judges were Newlyn Art Gallery's Exhibition Manager, Blair Todd; UCF's former Director of Art, Jeff Hellyer and Business Development Manager, Martin Walton along with Project Director, Keith Hosen from Midas.
New work by last year's winner, Amy Albright, created during her 12 month tenureship at Krowji, is also featured as part of the exhibition in the downstairs gallery.
The top prize was awarded to George Morgan by Executive Director of Midas, Murdo Mace, for his paintings, inspired by an interest in the sky, that were redolent of a bygone age.
"We are always delighted with the high standard of work produced by UCF's BA (Hons) Fine Art graduates and this year is no exception," said Martin Walton. "The combination of exceptional quality and increased exhibition space offered by our new host at Newlyn enabled the judges to increase the number of finalists from four to seven."
"The Midas Award has allowed the Newlyn Art Gallery the opportunity to further its links with UCF and give emerging artists exposure to a wider audience at this stage of their career," added Blair Todd. "It has been incredibly rewarding working with the seven artists to bring their artwork together into this group show, which has revealed fascinating relationships between very different practices. The Midas Award 2008 is an exceptionally strong exhibition that we are proud to present."
"The Midas Award is a prestigious event in Cornwall's arts calendar," commented University College Falmouth's Rector, Professor Alan Livingston. "By supporting emerging talent, Midas is investing in fine art in the truest sense. The award provides a newly-established artist with the practical support they need to build not just a viable career, but one that contributes to Cornwall's creative economy and raises the national profile of the county. We also extend our thanks to Newlyn Art Gallery, Krowji and Creative Skills".
"We are delighted to be involved in supporting young, creative talent and congratulate George Morgan on his success," concluded Executive Director of Midas, Murdo Mace. "The creative industries are as important to the future of Cornwall as the physical regeneration that the county continues to experience, and it is an honour for Midas to play its part."
"I feel privileged to be exhibiting my work in such an amazing and beautiful gallery space, and was really not expecting this," said George Morgan of his win. "I am absolutely going to make the most of this opportunity, which is exactly what my career needed."