‘Show Me The Monet’ BBC2 / Wednesday 18th July 2012
Last November, or was it December, there was a call out for artists to submit their paintings which would be judged on the BBC2 art show ‘Show me the Monet’.
I took a shot and entered one of my new pieces, entitled ‘Rose’, which I had just previously been invited to exhibit at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Marlborough house, Pall Mall, London on the 6th of December for Human rights week – Empowering women through art.
A few months passed and I received a call to be told I had made it through to Stage One Selection and my piece was one of the art works selected out of the 3000 entries down to 300 by art critics. Following this was Stage 2 where I was then called in for the Audition day, which was a meeting to talk about myself, my work etc
A month after Stage 2 audition day, in mid February I was called again to be advised I was through to stage 3 – The hanging committee and I was one of 150 selected for the Show Me The Monet Hanging Committee Judging which took place in March. The Judging panel consisted of 3 top art critics, Charlotte Mullins, David Lee and Roy Bolton, who based their decision on these judging criteria’s; The originality of the work, The technical skill of the artist and the emotional response evoked by the work.
Unfortunately I didn’t make it through to Stage 4, the exhibition and sale and be amongst the final 80 or so who had their works exhibited and perhaps purchased. Perhaps I didn’t defend my piece well enough, perhaps they didn’t understand what I am trying to portray in the piece… (although I recall the judges did say the piece had emotional content and was original) but I am happy to have been part of the experience and will take on the critiques given, to make these series of pieces I am currently working on for a grand exhibition next year, great!
Here, I present the painting I had submitted, ‘Rose’ for your comments and critique etc.
The footage of me presenting 'Rose' to the judges on the show, and their critique/review, will be aired this Wednesday, 18th July at 3pm on BBC 2.
Enjoy! And please do leave your comments on the art piece BEFORE the show and comments AFTER the show… I appreciate all your comments, views, critiques etc
Thank you.
Shiri
SHIRIACHUART
 |
| Shiri Achu 'Rose' Acrylics on hardboard 1220mmX610mm (October 2011) Signed limited edition prints for sale!! Approx size A4 - £40 Approx size A3 - £65 |
I am fortunate enough to have had the opportunity of viewing this piece of art work up close and I can truly say it is magnificent and like no other!
ReplyDeleteThe textile used projects out of the painting continuing a story the eyes had started and the background encourages you to focus on these two elements. However maybe the background can also be used to emphasise this story? Who is she, where is she from, what’s her story?
I love the fact it has a sense of mystery and leaves you thinking all these questions.
Well done!
- Miranda, CoffeeloversUK
Looks like I am getting the party started so to speak!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, Shiri, the painting is beautiful. The cloth draped from her hips is divine. Love the print. Reminds me of Adinkra symbols. Her face, wow, I get the feeling she has experienced pain and is protecting her unborn child. She also looks proud and strong. It is just beautiful. Clearly you have the technical skill, clearly the work is emotive and it is definitely original. I have never seen anything like it personally.
Enough gushing about the work. The fact is, as we have discussed, that many critics have not been exposed to this kind of work before. When I say this kind of work, I mean specifically that it is obviously a piece which is VERY African. While there is a shift in consciousness in the West towards work of African origin such as work by the eponymous El Anatsui and Owusu Ankomah, there is still a way to go...
Just this year, El Anatsui set a new world record when his beautiful tapestry piece sold for $850,544 USD at the Bonhams Contemporary African Art Sale. There is obviously a market for African art and it is growing steadily. The shift is almost palpable as I have said on many occasions.
Maybe this time was not for you, but your career is coming on in leaps and bounds. Just being on the program will give your career a boost if you capitalize on it effectively.
Many African artists are doing big things in the West, so fear not young lady. This is an opportunity, not a set back. Keep up the great work.xxx
Amazing opportunity, great exposure of your amazing talent. You will only go places as you continue to work extensively hard!
ReplyDeleteWell done!!
When I look at your artistic work, it brings back memories of home, the traditional regalia she is putting on speaks to her origin, (typical of the Bamileke tribe in Cameroon). In my opinion, she looks disturbed probably traumatised by the emotional circumstances in which she finds herself coupled to the fact that her emotions maybe heightened at this stage of pregnancy. She is protective of the baby she is carrying and no matter what bombastic substance life has thrown at her that keeps her bare, she is determined to survive. Beautiful, beautiful and beautiful. Thumbs Up!
ReplyDeleteDelphine Ngehndab
Incredible artwork, as Always!
ReplyDeleteKeep it up...
Cheers,
IZF