Two art students have their work recognised in national competitions

Two budding artists from the University of Northampton have had their work shortlisted in national competitions.

Emma Richardson is studying the BA (Hons) Fine Art, Painting and Drawing course and made it to the finals of the Bloomberg New Contemporaries 2016. Dubbed as the Turner Prize for students and graduates, artists who have participated in the past include Damien Hirst, Glenn Brown and Gillian Wearing, to name a few. Emma was invited to submit three of her paintings and one drawing for judging.

Emma said: “’It was a great honour to be shortlisted for Bloomberg New Contemporaries 2016 following on from the Platform Graduate Prize 2015. I feel that my work is in a good place and I hope to build on this success when I start the MA in Fine Art at the University of Northampton in September.”

Michelle Moore is a third year student on the BA (Hons) Illustration course and made the shortlist of the Creative Conscience Awards with her illustrated book, Go Get Nellie. Her work focuses around harrowing stories of female genital mutilation, as well as feminism and the empowerment of women, and has created visuals and stories to raise awareness.

Creative Conscience is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to inspire designers and the creative industry to apply their talents to socially valuable projects, promoting sustainability, freedom, social health and well-being. The Creative Conscience Awards encourages, recognises and rewards students and graduates across the design spectrum for developing projects that are in line with its aims.

Michelle commented: “This has now given me more confidence to believe in myself as an illustrator and will continue to enter similar competitions after graduating.”