Four York St John University students have achieved international success in an art competition dedicated to celebrating disability.
The students secured top awards in the Eleanor Worthington International Art Prize, open to higher education Art and Media students from the UK, Ireland, and Italy.
The Eleanor Worthington Prize celebrates the theme of disability in visual art and commemorates Eleanor Worthington (1982 – 2008), a disabled woman from York who tragically passed away at the age of 26.
Eleanor was born and raised in York before spending many artistic years at the Istituto Statale d’Arte in Italy.
The competition, hosted by York St John University, and founded by Associazione Premio Eleanor Worthington, based in Urbino, Italy.
Matthew Hammond wins first prize
Matthew Hammond, a second-year Fine Art student, won first prize for his artwork ‘Fragile Mind’, which explores both physical and mental disabilities. The piece also comments on who gets to view art.
Remarking on the win, Matthew said, “I’m delighted to have even been put forward for a prize, let alone win, it’s been an amazing opportunity that has allowed my view of my practice to develop acutely.”
Nyimbwa Clyde awarded special Mark Bailey first prize
Second-year Fine Art student Nyimbwa Clyde was awarded the special Mark Bailey first prize for his artwork ‘Peripheral Neuropathy’.
The piece focuses on his father’s disability following chemotherapy and raises awareness of what it feels like to live with peripheral neuropathy .
Nyimbwa said, “I’m so grateful to have been chosen for the special first prize. And I’m really excited for the trip to Italy.”
Second prize for Ami Taylor
Ami Taylor received second prize for her artwork ‘Breathe’, a paper concertina piece representing the respiratory disease COPD. Ami expressed her delight in raising awareness of this particular disability.
Charlie Swan-Woods wins joint third prize
For his piece ‘Holding Herself Together’, Charlie Swan-Woods received joint third prize.
A poignant series of photography showing a balloon figure deflating, the piece explores fibromyalgia and the continuous efforts to manage a chronic condition.
Importance of disability awareness
York St John has hosted the Eleanor Worthington prize for several years. Helen Turner, Associate Head of Art, emphasised the importance of raising awareness of disabilities through this event.
She said, “Given the current climate it’s hugely topical to bring our focus to the lives of disabled people. This prize gives students a chance to research any aspect of disability whether their own lived experience or that of others.
“It will be the first time that some of them will have considered how their own creativity might be engaged in raising awareness or aiding advocacy for others.”
Ms. Turner continued, “I hope this exhibition gives us a chance to pause and consider our own situation, whether that is one of privilege or struggle, and that we might be moved to consider the ways we can advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.”
The artwork by York St John University winners, along with other competition entrants, is displayed in York St John University’s Creative Centre until Wednesday 2 April.
More information about the exhibition can be found on the events page here.
