PAINTING PRIZE GETS PEOPLE TALKING
John Moores Painting Prize
The often controversial John Moores Painting Prize at the Walker Art Gallery always provokes debate. As one recent visitor described it: “.. sometimes excellent, sometimes pretentious, always interesting”.
This year the gallery is hosting a programme of events that give visitors the opportunity to let us know what they think of the judges’ selection. A highlight is the “In conversation with…” event with this year’s £25,000 first prizewinner Keith Coventry and 2008 John Moores judge and art critic Sasha Craddack on 25 November 2010.
There is also the chance for visitors to vote for their favourite painting. This year the popular Visitors’ Choice prize, sponsored by Rathbones, will award its winner £2010 on 25 November 2010.
Plus the gallery is encouraging the future generation of John Moores artists with an exciting programme of craft activities for all the family.
Programme of FREE events:
In conversation with Keith Coventry and Sasha Craddack
25 November 2010
6pm
The 2010 John Moores Painting Prize-winning artist, Keith Coventry discusses his work with previous juror and independent art critic Sasha Craddack.
Limited places, please call 0151 478 4697 to book.
Artist talks
Meet some of the shortlisted artists and find out what it takes to become a John Moores exhibitor:
- Prizewinner Nicholas Middleton discusses Protest, 1st April 2009: Tuesday 9 November, 1pm
- Exhibitor Sigrid Holmwood discusses Butchering a Pig: Tuesday 16 November, 1pm
- Chester-born artist Tim Ellis discusses United in Different Guises XXXXIII Friday 3 December, 1pm
- Liverpool artist Jason Thompson discusses Refractions (Robert Hooke): Monday 6 December, 1pm
Collect a free ticket from the welcome desk.
John Moores Painting Prize
4 November & 7 December 2010
1-1.45pm
Join us for a tour of this year’s exciting entries and discover more about the judging process, artists and artworks. Collect a free ticket from the welcome desk.
Talk about…John Moores Painting Prize
12 November & 2 December 2010
1- 2pm
How relevant is the John Moores Painting Prize in today’s art world? Does the jury’s choice of winners reflect contemporary art trends and practice? Do you agree with the panel’s selection? Join this informal discussion of a selection of works from this year’s exhibition with art historian Julie Robson. Collect a free ticket from the welcome desk.
Exploring John Moores Painting Prize
19 November 2010
10.30am- 3.30pm
Though a combination of talks and interactive workshops, this study day led by art historian Julie Robson, will trace the development of the John Moores Painting Prize. Besides looking at past winners, we will also take a closer look at this year’s exhibition, asking how the prize has changed and questioning its relevance to today’s audience. Collect a free ticket from the welcome desk.
Prams and Pushchairs: John Moores Painting Prize
24 November 2010
1- 1.30pm
A tour aimed at adults who would like to attend gallery talks but don’t want to worry about bringing their (possibly noisy!) children along.
Limited places, please call 0151 478 4697 to book
Highlights tour
5 & 26 November, 10 December 2010
1- 2pm
Join Dr Paul O’Keeffe for a tour focusing on some of the highlights from this year’s exciting exhibition. Collect a free ticket from the welcome desk.
Jack Smith and John Bratby: Painters of the people?
25 November 2010
1- 2pm
In 1957 Jack Smith won first prize in the first John Moores exhibition with his large scale work Creation and Crucifixion .In the same year his fellow ‘Kitchen Sink’ artist John Bratby won the junior section with Three Self- portraits with a White Wall. This lecture describes how the work of Smith and Bratby was internationally received and how it contributed to the canon of social realism in 1950s Britain. Collect a free ticket from the welcome desk.
Family events
John Moores Painting Prize workshops
27 & 28 October 2010
1- 4pm
Be inspired by the John Moores Painting Prize and create a different artwork each day inspired by artists featured in the exhibition. Drop in (5+)
Face to face!
27 & 28 November 2010
1- 4pm
Join us for this family fun workshop inspired by the different portrait images in the exhibition, learn how to draw a realistic portrait or have a go at mixing things up! Drop in (5+
The John Moores Painting Prize runs at the Walker Art Gallery until 3 January 2011 and forms a key part of the Liverpool Biennial.
John Moores Painting Prize China 2010
This year, for the first time, a parallel prize was held in Shanghai. John Moores Painting Prize China 2010 formed a part of the Biennial Festival of Contemporary Art of Painting in China. The 5 prizewinners from the Chinese competition are on display at the Walker Art Gallery, alongside the UK prizewinners.