Two exciting new exhibitions have launched at Huddersfield Art Gallery at their current home at Unit 7 on The Piazza.
Once again, Huddersfield played host to the Contemporary British Painting (CBP) Prize exhibition, which celebrates the diversity, dynamism and quality of the contemporary British Painting scene. The competition has launched in Huddersfield since its conception in 2016.
The 1000 entries submitted for the 2023 competition were whittled down to a shortlist of 16 paintings, now exhibiting at Huddersfield Art Gallery before it moves to Thames-side Gallery in London.
The shortlisted artists 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.
Judging took place on Saturday 23 September by Beth Hughes (Independent Curator and Researcher), Caroline Walker (Artist) and Grant Scanlan (Curator at Huddersfield Art Gallery).
The winner, who will receive an £8000 prize from CBP, was announced as Richard Jellyman, whose paintings reference internet culture using technology like AI to generate his subject matter.
Robbie Bushe’s work was also highly commended, and the artist will receive a £2000 prize and the rest of the shortlisted artists will each receive £400 for their competition entries from CBP.
Also on display now is Bygone Times – Memories of an Artist Growing Up in a Northern Town, an exhibition of artwork by Glen Williams, whose evocative, nostalgic paintings are distinctively Northern.
Glen, who is a figurative artist, was born in Rotherham, but now lives in Huddersfield. Although he achieved a degree in fine art over 40 years ago in the 1970s, it’s only in the last few years that he has returned to painting. His work revolves around humans living and working in cities and towns and uses a variety 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 open now at Huddersfield Art Gallery until Saturday 11 November: Unit 7, The Piazza Shopping Centre, Princess Alexandra Walk, Huddersfield, HD1 2RS, with level access. The Art Gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.