Inaugural Platform graduate art award recipient announced

23 November 2012   View in browser

Inaugural Platform graduate art award recipient announced

Artist Joella Wheatley was announced last night as the inaugural recipient of the Platform Graduate Award 2012. The 22 year old was presented with the award at Modern Art Oxford by artist Lindsay Seers for her work - a series of intense paintings that explore the mind as a channel for restructuring the concept of space.   Victoria Pomery, Acting Chair of Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN) South East and Director, Turner Contemporary said:   ‘We look forward to seeing how Joella will build on this opportunity in her future career. CVAN South East would like to see Platform continue to develop closer working relationships between South East galleries and their local Higher Education institutions while providing opportunities to support and showcase new talent.’   Wheatley was one of eight graduate artists shortlisted as part of the Platform Graduate Award 2012 - an inaugural mentor programme devised by the CVAN South East network, between galleries and emerging artists from the South East.   Platform Award selection panel member and Director of MK Gallery, Anthony Spira said the standard of work throughout the Platform project had been particularly high, highlighting the wealth of Fine Art talent in the South East.   Over the last few months four flagship galleries, Aspex, MK Gallery, Modern Art Oxford and Turner Contemporary, have each provided a platform for 31 recent graduates from each of their local art colleges, of which eight were shortlisted for the award.   Wheatley will receive a 12-month tailored programme of professional development from the four South East art galleries as well as £2,500 bursary towards further development of her practice.