How to get into the 166 Annual Open Exhibition (Part 2)
If you're submitting work for the 166 RWA Annual Open Exhibition, then you might like to read this first.
Each year a selection panel assesses every entry and last year 624 works by 421 artists made it into the final exhibition. But how do the selection panel choose which art gets through?
We put together a series of questions for the Annual Open Selection Panel to shed some light on the matter. Here's what two of our judges had to say. (Click here to see the first part of this blog post with judges Stephen Jacobson VPRWA and Fiona Robinson RWA)
Chris Dunseath
What advice would you give to an unknown or emerging artist considering submitting their work?
Read and follow carefully the Terms & Conditions of Entry. The digital images of your work for pre-selection should be as good quality & as clear as possible as you don’t want to fall at the first hurdle. Knowledge of current developments in contemporary art is useful but you don’t need to be a slave to fashion. Submit work that you are most confident about; it is difficult to second-guess the selector’s choices.
What makes an artwork stand out from the crowd?
Quality. A colourful and dramatic image may catch the eye but a subtle and discreet artwork may be equally memorable.
What do you assess the artworks on?
I have been selecting and curating exhibitions for many years and am familiar with many different approaches to art making, together with my co-selectors I will be looking for the best in the various ways of working.
What are you looking for this year?
I am drawn to work where the concepts & process successfully combine to produce an intriguing result. As a Sculptor I will also be looking for strong three-dimensional work.
Stewart Geddes
What advice would you give to an unknown or emerging artist considering submitting their work?
Remain true to your vision. Don't try and second guess what you think a selection panel 'wants'.
What makes an artwork stand out from the crowd?
An artwork that has a clear and personal vision stands out.
What do you assess the artworks on?
I try and sense the above when assessing an artwork.
What are you looking for this year?
A small portrait by a regular submitter was particularly memorable. There is nothing in particular that we are looking for - just stay true to your vision!