Willem Weismann is the winner of the £10,000 East London Painting Prize for his piece Library Guide, which explores the relationship between books and painting. As well receiving the prize money, the 38-year-old Tower Hamlets-based artist will present a solo show of his work at Bow’s Nunnery Gallery this autumn.
Speaking of his award, Weismann said: “This will allow me to focus on my practice and will give me the freedom to develop and push my art.”
Now into its second year, the East London Painting Prize’s shortlist comprised of 23 artists living or working in East London and was judged by artist Phoebe Unwin, ArtReview‘s Oliver Basciano, Zabludowicz Collection‘s Elizabeth Neilson and Launchpad‘s Sarah Elson.
The prize was inaugurated in 2014 to commemorate the life and work of the late property developer, philanthropist and painter, Jack Goldhill who was a longterm patron of the arts and culture in the UK.
Created by Foundation for FutureLondon and Bow Arts Trust, with support from the Goldhill Family and the Zabludowicz Collection, the prize is intended to celebrate and highlight the artistic talent and activity of the east London painting community.
Basciano said of the selection: “Choosing Willem was gut instinct. I love the way his paint moves and his show proposal was innovative.”
Unwin added: “I think his work shows an inventive figuration, striking a hard to achieve balance between contemporary life and the history of painting.”
The 23 shortlisted paintings can be viewed at the Rum Factory, Pennington Street Warehouse, London Dock, E1W until 17 May 2015, as part of the East London Painting Prize shortlist exhibition
Also on a-n.co.uk:
23 artists shortlisted for second annual East London Painting Prize
