The winner of a national prize aimed at profiling young emerging artists has unveiled a new solo exhibition exploring perspective, composition and structure.
Olivia Turner, who graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2015, won last year’s Open Contemporary Young Artist Award. The annual arts prize was created by The Biscuit Factory – the UK’s largest independent art, craft and design gallery – in association with its charitable arm, The Biscuit Factory Foundation, to spotlight up and coming talent from across the UK.
Alongside a £1000 cash prize, Olivia also won the opportunity for a solo show at the commercial Newcastle gallery which is now on display, with all the artwork available to buy.
Olivia, who is originally from Leeds and now based in Leith, Edinburgh, said: “It feels great to have a solo show at The Biscuit Factory. This is my largest solo exhibition to date and it’s such a brilliant opportunity to exhibit it in such a contemporary, commercial gallery.”
Discussing her new work, Olivia added: “St Peter’s Seminary in Cardross in Scotland is one of many structures which I have drawn my inspiration from for this body of work. Often modernist or brutalist buildings – my aim is to highlight the real and true beauty of these structures, and draw people’s attention to the loss of them in society.”
Sam Waters, a Curator at The Biscuit Factory, commented: “We really admire the quality of Olivia’s work, both in terms of its artistic scope and ambition as well as its craftsmanship and attention to detail. We think it’s exceptionally well considered and the execution is deftly judged and realised. Her body of work is distinctive, convincing, and very engaging, and we’re delighted to be showcasing her new collection of paintings this season.”
Olivia’s solo show forms part of the Newcastle gallery’s autumn exhibition, featuring contemporary artwork from more than 250 local, national and international artists, encompassing paintings, prints, glass, ceramics, sculpture and textiles.
For more information about Olivia’s new collection, which runs until 3 November 2019, visit The Biscuit Factory website.
