Aesthetica Art Prize Exhibition 2020
New Dates: 1 August – End of February, York Art Gallery
The Aesthetica Art Prize is a celebration of works that redefine the parameters of contemporary art. The annual prize, now in its 13th year, provides a platform for both established and emerging practitioners from across the globe, supporting and enhancing their careers through exhibition, publication and talent development.
The 2020 exhibition includes 18 artists that respond to today’s key issues, unpacking the layers of our digitalised, globalised planet. The featured projects ask poignant questions about what it means to be a human today. How has the selfie altered our sense of personal identity? What value do we place on being individuals? What are the consequences of altering weather patterns? Across painting, photography, sculpture, video and installation, these immersive works are part of a wider line of enquiry into our changing world.
Across painting, photography, sculpture, video and installation, these immersive works are part of a wider line of enquiry into our changing world. The featured projects span the UK, USA, Gibraltar, Japan and Mexico. Please note: the exhibition does include sound elements, but due to government guidelines with Covid-19, we ask that visitors access this through QR codes on their smartphones. For more information, please ask gallery staff upon arrival.
Click here to view the programme
The Aesthetica Art Prize is a celebration of works that redefine the parameters of contemporary art. The annual prize, now in its 13th year, provides a platform for both established and emerging practitioners from across the globe, supporting and enhancing their careers through exhibition, publication and talent development.
The 2020 exhibition includes 18 artists that respond to today’s key issues, unpacking the layers of our digitalised, globalised planet. The featured projects ask poignant questions about what it means to be a human today. How has the selfie altered our sense of personal identity? What value do we place on being individuals? What are the consequences of altering weather patterns? Across painting, photography, sculpture, video and installation, these immersive works are part of a wider line of enquiry into our changing world.
Across painting, photography, sculpture, video and installation, these immersive works are part of a wider line of enquiry into our changing world. The featured projects span the UK, USA, Gibraltar, Japan and Mexico. Please note: the exhibition does include sound elements, but due to government guidelines with Covid-19, we ask that visitors access this through QR codes on their smartphones. For more information, please ask gallery staff upon arrival.
Click here to view the programme
Public Programme
Led by artists, curators and academics, Aesthetica’s public programme offers an insight into current themes in the art world, engaging with the shortlisted pieces on display and discussing the role of art prizes in talent development.
Meet the Artists
Friday 13 March, 12:30pm
The 2020 shortlist will be in attendance to discuss their works and the wider themes. The artists will speak about the concepts, materials and mediums used in the shortlisted pieces, spanning a range of media including photography, installation, video, sculpture and painting. Hear directly from those that have shaped this year’s prize and how they are navigating today’s artistic landscape.
Curator’s Insights
Thursday 23 April, 12:30pm
Griselda Goldsbrough, Co-Curator of the Aesthetica Art Prize, will discuss the opportunities that prizes present for practitioners to reach wider audiences. What are their benefits beyond the prize money? In this informative session, Goldsbrough looks at how competitions further talent development, expanding on the selection process and the shortlisted works as a testbed for ideas.
What is the Power of a Photograph?
Thursday 18 June, 12:30pm
Photography is omnipresent in daily life. It is the vernacular of our times and the most immediate form of communication. What constitutes a successful image and how do photographers express meaning? Cherie Federico, Director and Curator of the Aesthetica Art Prize, draws from the works in this year’s exhibition, discussing aesthetics, form and concept.