Nexus commissioned artwork on display at Byker Metro

Jul 4 2009 by David Whetstone, The Journal

Andy Bairstow, communications director of Nexus, said the judging panel had been struck by the vibrant colours and bold design elements of Tom’s work.

He said: “Commissioning a work for Byker Metro takes the Print Biennale out of the gallery and into the public spaces of Newcastle, which is totally the spirit of the Nexus Art on Transport initiative.”

Later Tom joined other prize-winners at the Laing Art Gallery as the Biennale was formally opened.

The Northern Print Prize of £5,000 was won by Belgium-based Chinese artist Wenhai Zhang.

Newcastle-born Barton Hargreaves won a residency at Glasgow Print Studio along with Elizabeth Magill. Other winners were: Emma Stibbon and Glynis Mills (Friends of the Laing Art Gallery Purchase Prize); Bronwen Sleigh (V&A Print Prize); Rachel Gross, from America (Northern Print International Residency Prize); and Katherine Jones (Solution Group Website Design Prize).

The 170 works on display in the three galleries represent about 90 artists from 32 countries. They were chosen from around 800 entries.

The Northern Print Biennale was initiated by Anna Wilkinson, director of Northern Print, in association with culture10.

Anna said: “The tremendous response from artists gave the panel the opportunity to select an exhibition that has both breadth and depth.”

She was delighted that the Biennale had attracted established and younger artists.

Stella Hall, creative director of culture10, said: “I hope that over the next few months a wider audience than ever before will get to enjoy the work of these artists as the Biennale helps raise the profile of print-making at a regional and national level.”

:: Northern Print Biennale is at three venues:

Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle: Until October 4 (open Mon to Sat, 10am to 5pm; Sun, 2-5pm);

Hatton Gallery, Newcastle University: Until August 15 (Mon to Sat, 10am to 5pm);

Northern Print, Stepney Bank, Byker: Until October 4 (Mon to Sat, 10am to 5pm; Sun, 2-5pm).

For a list of Northern Print Biennale activities at 15 venues, visit www.northernprint.org.uk/biennale

For more Culture stories, go to www.journallive.co.uk/culture