Lewisham student shortlisted for international art prize

A 19-year-old student from Lewisham has been chosen as one of 55 artists shortlisted for an international art prize.

Skye Davies’ drawing Brown Sugar was one of 72 artworks selected from over 6,000 submissions for the final round of The Derwent Art Prize 2022.

Ms Davies, who studies fine art and contemporary cultural theory at the University of Leeds, said she was ‘grateful and happy’ that work about her heritage had gained recognition.

She added: “The fact that it’s an international competition makes it even more of an achievement for myself, and it is really inspiring and encouraging to be recognised amongst such great artists as I’m just stepping into the beginning of my art career.”

The artwork was inspired by Ms Davies’ great grandmother who was a part of the Windrush generation.

She said: “I wanted to capture the volatile environment and underlying tension within Britain during the time of their arrival. 

“Many of the people that came over to Britain had to work manual labour jobs to get by, including my great grandmother, and I came across the song Brown Sugar which includes quite controversial imagery regarding slavery. 

“With it being such a popular song, I could imagine the Black British community may have felt like their experiences were somewhat echoed, still working hard for little to survive in a hostile environment, alienated, and treated like outsiders.

“Making the whole piece really opened my eyes and allowed me to immerse myself in the older generations’ experience and empathise with the harsh reality they faced at the time.”

Created in 2012, the Derwent Art Prize celebrates contemporary graphic art by showcasing the best artworks created in pencil.

The works were considered by a panel of selectors made up of host of The Great Women Artists podcast, Katy Hessel, Director of Modern Art Oxford Paul Hobson and artist Charmaine Watkiss.

Ms Hessel said: “I’ve been really impressed by the technique of everything, the expression, and the sheer breadth of what we’ve seen.”

The five awards, which are first, second, Young Artist first and second and a People’s Choice Award, will be announced on February 23. 

The 72 shortlisted artworks will be available to see in the Derwent Art Prize 2022 exhibition, at gallery@oxo, OXO Tower Wharf from February 24 to March 6.

Picture top: Skye Davies and her mother Simone McDonald with Brown Sugar