Trinity Buoy Wharf drawing prize exhibition

ArtHouse Jersey is delighted to announce that the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize, the UK drawing exhibition, is coming to Jersey for the first time next month.

Opening to the public on Friday 10th February 2023 and running until Sunday 26th March 2023 at ArtHouse Jersey at Capital House, the upcoming exhibition will reflect a broad scope of outstanding contemporary drawing practice from across the world.

Showcasing over 120 shortlisted artworks from the 2022 competition, the breadth of work on offer promises to create a spectacularly diverse display. The Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize is widely regarded as the British Isles’ largest, most prestigious drawing prize and annual touring exhibition. It brings together the work of diverse artists across the United Kingdom and internationally, providing fascinating insights into drawing and creative practice in all its forms, from architecture to performance and sculpture to painting.

The Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize, formerly known as the Jerwood Drawing Prize, was founded in 1994 by artist and Professor Anita Taylor, Dean of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design at the University of Dundee and director of Drawing Projects UK. We are delighted to be able to welcome Anita Taylor to our presentation of the show and Anita will be our guest of honour on the opening night. Other visiting artists include 2022 prize winners; Eisa Alaluusua and Gemma Thompson as well as Polly Bennet who will be artist in residence at ArtHouse Jersey from 16th to 24th March, exploring the pigments that can be made from natural resources in Jersey.

Five Week ‘Island Drawing Challenge’

As part of the exhibition period and an additional celebration of the simple art of drawing, ArtHouse Jersey will be partnering with local charities to offer a five-week online drawing challenge encouraging all Islanders to take part.

Each Friday from 17th February will see the launch of a fresh drawing theme that will speak of the core work and focus of a local charity, with people across the Island encouraged to take a break from digital life and engage in the calming and meditative practice of drawing at home. People will be asked to post their drawings to their social media accounts using the hashtag #islanddrawingchallenge23 while tagging ArtHouse Jersey and the charity of the week. The arts charity will share a selection of submissions online each week, in the hope that the challenge will not only encourage more people to enjoy drawing but help shine a light on the good work each charity does across the Island.

ArtHouse Jersey’s Producer, Laura Hudson, who has exhibited twice previously and was a prizewinner in 2018, has been instrumental in bringing the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize to Jersey, said: “Jean Cocteau suggested a medium will only become an art form once its materials are as cheap as pencil and paper. Drawing is our first art form.

“The marks we make on a simple surface are individual and yet collective. Drawing takes us back to the very first marks we made 45,000 years ago, and is the thread that connects us from the past to the present. We’re delighted to be able to bring this prestigious show to Jersey and with it the opportunity to deliver a really diverse series of workshops, masterclasses and events for artists and the wider community in Jersey that expands on our understanding of and the value of drawing.”

Main image by Harriet Mena Hill.