Jonathan Ashworth

Here we are then. There's been much to do, but with no further ado, The Biscuit Factory Foundation is brimful of pride to announce the winner of Young Artists of the Year 2011 as Jonathan Ashworth.

Jonathan Ashworth's woodcuts spoke to each of the judges – and, to underline the successful execution of his singular vision, they spoke to us all in a similar way. We were all touched by the tender crepuscular quality of his imagery, and were particularly impressed by the way that his craftsmanship works in perfect harmony with the imagery, displaying a similar deft and deceptively simple touch to consolidate the image-making. The work suggests an artist who is already on the way to finding his voice; one whose interest in the nostalgic and enchanting is heartwarming, but also has significant depths as the fractured narratives are undercut with the a subtle sense of loss and even possible malevolence. It is this precision with the nuances of universal human experiences that the judges all responded to, and which elevates Jonathan's work.

We also saw an artist whose work has a wide-ranging appeal. It is both accessible and sophisticated, and that is perhaps the most important and elusive trick for an emerging professional artist to have mastery of. It is to Jonathan's considerable credit that at this still burgeoning stage of his career he is able to command his craft to that degree.

Press & Exhibitions

A recent review of my work, plus details of current and upcoming shows.