Banks Mill tenant and Derby University Graduate features on BBCs Show Me The Monet
Television’s hottest art competition, Show Me the Monet, presented by Chris Hollins (Watchdog, Food Inspectors, Cash in the Attic), returns for a second series, as artists from across the UK battle it out to secure a spot in a prestigious London art exhibition and sale.
Taking part this time around is Banks Mill based Fine Artist Kerri Pratt.
Thousands of applications were received from both professional and amateur artists, and these entries have been whittled down to just over a hundred who will compete for a place in the Show Me the Monet Grand Exhibition and Sale at the Mall Galleries in London. It will be the chance of a lifetime to get their work seen – and bought – by professional art buyers and the public alike. But in order to secure a place, the shortlisted artistic contenders will have to face the ‘Hanging Committee’ – a panel of judges drawn from some of the art world’s toughest critics: Charlotte Mullins, David Lee and Roy Bolton.
“I watched last year’s series and thought it was fantastic. It was like a cross between Dragon’s Den and the X-Factor, but for artists, it had me hooked on a daily basis. I made a mental note that I would definitely apply if there was another series, as it would be a great way to get my work in front of a wider audience and most importantly, find out what renowned art critics from London, might have to say about my painting.”
In 15 episodes stripped across three weeks, Chris Hollins will follow the progress of the hopeful artists as one after another, they arrive at Eltham Palace – home to the Tudor Court – to present their paintings, sculptures and photography to the Hanging Committee. It could be a day of triumph or disappointment as they face the intense scrutiny and candid, often blunt, critiques of their work. The judges are looking for originality, technical skill and emotional impact, and artists need two ‘Yeses’ from the panel to get a place at the Mall galleries. For those who get through, we’ll then see how their work fares in the exhibition and sale. In an exciting twist, the art will be sold by ‘blind bid’ and potential buyers will be allowed to bid much higher – or indeed lower – than the reserve price.
“Taking part in the series has been incredibly exciting, whilst at the same time quite nerve-racking. To have been selected from 3,000 applicants has felt like an achievement in itself, but then to be shortlisted again to appear before the hanging committee was an absolute thrill. I will be presenting a painting entitled Reconstruct 1, a piece inspired by travel and encounters with new places. My work is very distinctive with an obvious architectural influence. I mainly paint in acrylics and create strong and striking compositions with intriguing elements that are intentionally ambiguous, verging on the abstract.”
In their hunt for new art to display at their exhibition, the Hanging Committee will also be putting their reputations on the line. Charlotte Mullins is a contemporary specialist; the author of ten books on art and culture, she has selected works for some of the most prestigious art competitions. Roy Bolton is a fine art dealer of international renown, who has valued and sold works for some of the big name auction houses. David Lee is one of the art world’s most outspoken critics. Renowned for his tirades against conceptual art, his pet hate is work that’s all explanation and no substance.
“I’ve had a fantastically successful year exhibiting around this region at venues including Nottingham Castle, selected for the 2011 Nottingham Open, Wirksworth Festival 2011, selected as one of the regions best graduates, Banks Mill, Derby – Open Studio, Derbyshire Open Arts 2012 and Derby University, receiving the Vice-Chancellors Purchase Award. With the added bonus of a few sales to help pay my studio rent, it’s been a great start to my artistic career and I hope that appearing in this show will give me chance to reach a much wider audience. I continue to develop my practice and have plans for further exhibitions with reputable galleries. Currently I am working on a commissioned project for the Derbyshire Healthcare Trust.”
It’s time to Show Me the Monet. Starts 9 July on BBC2 at 3pm
See the article in Derby Telegraph at http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Kerri-hopes-TV-art-Monet-spinner/story-16461205-detail/story.html
