Olivia Heron, Curator at the Whitworth Art Gallery. 

Olivia Heron is a curator at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester. Previously at Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) and before this, the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate, she has been working with art and artists in the North of England for ten years.

We asked Olivia what she would be looking for when judging the New Light Prize…

“As well as deft handling of media and materials, originality and experimental flair, I will have an eye out for art that says something about contemporary life and the current issues of the day.”

Matthew Hall, Director of Panter & Hall Gallery, London.

Matthew Hall founded Panter & Hall, an art gallery based in the West End in London, with his business partner (Tiffany Panter) more than 20 years ago. Panter & Hall show an eclectic mix of largely figurative paintings and drawings, principally by British artists.  After more than three hundred exhibitions and over a hundred art fairs they have forged a solid reputation for dealing in art and artists of talent and value.

“Over the last 25 years I’ve personally watched the art market change beyond recognition, there seems to be a definite rise of interest in skill based artwork, whether original printmaking or simply drawing and painting, as clients are growing in confidence and learning to trust their own judgement.”

Nan Perell, New York based collector specialising in Modern British Art.

Nan Perell moved to London in 1989 and began collecting art….mostly from emerging British artists. After 5 years in London, as she was preparing to return to New York, a London gallery owner viewed the collection she had amassed. Impressed with the collection and Nan’s eye for curation, the gallery owner encouraged Nan to develop her skills further.  In partnership with her daughter, (an Art Historian) Nan opened Cricket Hill Gallery in 1993,  dedicated to showing the works of emerging British artists. The gallery was very well received and was particularly recognised for its strong collection of works by emerging British artists.

When asked what she will be specifically looking for when judging the New Light Prize, Nan replied…

“I seek to discover artists that invite me to inhabit the raw experience of their mind, body and soul.”

Mark Demsteader, renowned figurative artist.

Mark Demsteader’s powerful, ethereal figurative work has developed from a fascination with both the human form and classical themes. His close observation, informed by spending his formative years in his fathers’ butchers shop, combines with intriguing surface texture and carefully balanced composition to create unique contemporary representations of the female figure.

During his career, Mark has brought together classical painting techniques and academic drawing in a style one critic has described as “a classicism made modern.” His celebrated work has been variously compared to that of Turner for his “elemental storminess” and to the Pre-Raphaelites for their evocative narrative voice.  Mark regularly appears in the national press from Tatler to the Daily Telegraph. He has painted many famous faces, and his celebrated series of portraits of Emma Watson was featured in Vogue.

We asked Mark what he would be looking for when judging the New Light Prize…

“That’s a tricky one, something that stands out by trying to convey an emotional response with the viewer.”

©Tony Bartholomew

Rebekah Tadd, Development Director, New Light.

Rebekah studied Art History and practised sculpture before pursuing a corporate career in Marketing, Communications and Event Management. Since 2019 these combined skills have been fully utilised in creating the New Light Prize Exhibition tour and working with the New Light team to provide a platform to showcase Northern artists. She has also introduced a non-touring Sculpture Prize which will be held at The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle in 2024, generously sponsored by The Biscuit Factory Foundation.

“When judging the New Light Prize I will be looking for an artwork which not only demonstrates skill, has originality and depth but which evokes an emotional response or challenges the viewer, that leaves one wanting to know more about both the artwork and the artist.”