CELESTE ART PRIZE 2006

The first Celeste Art Prize was launched in 2005 with the aim to promote painting in its widest sense and examine contemporary painting practise in the UK. In its first year the prize attracted 1,120 entrants.

The initial short list and selection of the finalists was made by the Goldsmiths MFA Curatorial Programme which is led by Dr Andrew Renton.

The 60 Finalists’ Exhibition was held at the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch in May 2006 and attracted 2,000 visitors in the 7 days it was open to the public.

During the exhibition the finalists were invited to vote for the artist in each category (Artist & Student Artist) they considered pre-eminent thus awarding the prize money themselves.

The full colour catalogue contained images of the 60 Finalists work (30 Artists; 30 Student Artists) and 170 short listed artists & 70 short listed student artists and was intended as a survey of current painting practise in the UK.

The Goldsmiths Curatorial Programme also contributed the essay So why painting, still…? The collaborative essay by all the Curators involved with the prize discussed the themes and trends which had been encountered in their work with the prize.

The 60 Finalists’ Exhibition was held at the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch in May 2006 and attracted 2,000 visitors in the 7 days it was open to the public.

At the crowded award ceremony the first £10,000 Celeste Art Prize was awarded to Natasha Kidd & to Shaan Syed who won the £5,000 Student Artist prize.
Natasha Kidd
 Shaan Syed
Overflow, 2006
Aluminium panel, copper pipe & fixings.
Site specific installation: approx. 200 x 200 x 25cm

Natasha Kidd would like
to thank Watson-Marlow
© Natasha Kidd		 Halls (Rockstar) 2005
Oil on canvas - 152 x 183cm
© Shaan Syed