INGdiscerning Eye in Mall Galleries

ING Discerning Eye exhibition at the Mall Galleries London
November 17th - 26th November, then online for sales
Mall Galleries, The Mall, St. James's, London, SW1Y 5AS

The organisers recently wrote about the selection process -

Out of 6,500 entries, 628 artworks by 387 creatives were shortlisted to be shown at the Mall Galleries from 17 to 26 November, and online until 31 December 2023.
The six selectors - two artists, two collectors and two critics - spent days whittling down the 6,500 artworks entered for the open competition and exhibition.

I was delighted to have two pieces chosen for the exhibition.

Here I am at the private view where I learnt that Artist Chris Levine had chosen my painting. Hi comment in the exhibition brochure said ‘Submitting a work to be judged by a panel can be a bit daunting and charged with insecurities. Respect to all those who put their souls forward. It was an honour and respoinsibility to review and select some outstanding art for this year’s exhibition.’

My painting is called 'Scorched in Pink'. It came from drawing in charcoal, from a wonderful book about seed pods, combined with paint. It also refers to climate change too, hence the name. Buy this painting

The second piece accepted is called 'Renewable' and once again, I love the grouping and the way it sits within the elegant wall arrangement. The vintage diary cover is about 100 years old and the abstract forms I have painted on it, relate to solar panels and electrical systems.

I enjoyed reading his generous comment from the scuptor Julian Wilde in response to being asked to invigilate this year:

"The selection process is unique in that each selector can be decisive in the artists that they pick without having to form a consensus of opinion with the other judges. I hope that my selection reflects my idiosyncratic interests and the kind of art that I truly care about. Rejection is a difficult thing for an artist to deal with: there were many more artists that I wanted to pick for my selection. I hope that my selection and the exhibition as a whole showcases some of the extraordinary creative talent working in the UK right now."

Altogether a wonderful experience. Renewable can be bought here