ART IN THE CITY
THE ANNUAL ING Discerning Eye exhibition, showcasing the work of unknown alongside established artists, opens to the public today at The Mall Galleries. Nearly 200 artists will display their artworks at this year’s exhibition, which attracted a record 2,300 submissions. The show will include pieces from award-winning artists such as Darren Baker, whose portraits include top sports personalities, royalty and politicians. His most recent commission was a portrait of Her Majesty the Queen.
The exhibition is open to newcomers as well as regulars such as David Gould who has shown his work at the ING Discerning Eye in seven of the past eight years, picking up the Humphries Purchase Prize and the Wales Regional Prize on the way. London-based Julia Hamilton will be showing her work at the ING-sponsored exhibition for the fourth consecutive year. Sasha Bowles returns for a second year to the ING Discerning Eye after she won the 2008 £1000 Benton Purchase Prize.
Selectors include painter Gus Cummins RA and painter and sculptor Lincoln Seligman. Collectors who have chosen paintings include actor Peter Bowles and interior designer and television personality Laurence Llewelyn Bowen. The critics selecting their favourites are Julius Bryant, Keeper of Word and Image Dept, V&A Museum, and Jackie Wullschlager, writer and chief art critic for the Financial Times. They join an illustrious list from previous shows, which includes HRH Prince of Wales, Sarah Armstrong-Jones, Sir Jonathan Miller, Joan Bakewell CBE and Griff Rhys Jones.
“With more submissions from the public than ever before, ING Discerning Eye has proven how popular it is among artists,” says Gerlach Jacobs, CEO of ING Wholesale Banking UK and Middle East. “The exhibition makes art accessible to all and connects new artists to the art scene, enabling them to showcase their work in a prestigious environment. ING is delighted to support such a worthwhile exhibition and charity.”
The show enjoys an excellent reputation among art lovers and collectors for its unique and highly personal approach to exhibiting the works, which include paintings and prints, drawing, photography and sculpture.
The ING Discerning Eye Exhibition 2009 will run in the Mall Galleries, London SW1, from 12-22 November 2009. Admission is free, 10am – 5pm daily.
The Discerning Eye website is www.discerningeye.org