Churcher's College student shortlisted for the 2017 Saatchi gallery art prize

Libby Gervais’s artwork ‘Untitled Self’ has been shortlisted for the 2017 Saatchi Gallery Art Prize for Schools.  The Prize received over 24,000 entries from 66 different countries, where only 20 works are shortlisted.   

An exhibition of the 20 shortlisted works will take place 4th – 13th July at the Saatchi Gallery, London.   The winner and runner up prizes will be announced at 7pm on 4th July at an awards evening.  Libby Gervais was 17 years old at the time of completing the painting as part of her Art coursework at school.  Libby is a Sixth Form student at Churcher’s College in Petersfield, Hampshire.

This year’s judging panel consisted of Alice Anderson, Artist; Alistair Hicks, Writer and Curator; Nigel Hurst, CEO of the Saatchi Gallery; Megan Piper, Gallerist and Founder of The Line; Dea Vanagan, Curator and Director, Hauser & Wirth Somerset.     The winning school has the opportunity to win £15,000 for their art department and the winning student getting £3,000 with a further £1,000 to another student to spend on computer equipment.

Libby Gervais said:  “This painting was produced as a part of a project at school on the theme of 'Self'. It is the result of a culmination of smaller drawings, paintings and photographs which were produced as preparatory studies. I wanted the self portrait to show something of the person that I am at this stage in my life. The title 'Untitled Self' reflects the transitionary stage I feel I am in, where/as the development of my sense of self is not complete, but very much still in progress. Part of this is my creative journey, which is about to move to another stage as I leave school and embark on a course at London College Of Fashion.

The title also works as an antithesis to the current trend of the 'selfie' which has become embedded in our recent culture. The pose is also carefully considered as I wanted to do something that engaged the viewer but also says something about my personality. I am very excited about being short - listed and feel it is a great honour.”

Al Saralis, Head of Art at Churcher’s College, said:  “We are delighted that Libby has been recognised by the Saatchi Gallery and an expert judging panel.   Beating off so many international competitors and being one of only 11 UK finalists, is testament to Libby’s talent and her phenomenal self-portrait.   Libby is one of many talented Art students here at Churcher’s, it is incredibly rewarding to see them grow beyond school.  Our A Level course is Fine Art based, which I believe gives the platform for students to flourish in any creative area they may wish to pursue.  Libby is, in fact, about to embark on a Degree in Fashion Marketing at London College of Fashion.”

Dea Vanagan, Curator and Director, Hauser & Wirth Somerset, said:  "Participating as a judge for the Saatchi Gallery Art Prize for Schools was a great privilege - I witnessed the creativity and openness of young students from around the world, some as young as four years old. Its overriding worth is the opportunity for children to share in a creative experience with their peers and create connections from such an early stage in their artistic development.

It was great to see that so many worked in collaboration with each other, and I'm pleased to be part of a Prize that helps direct much needed awareness and funds towards supporting creative education around the world, especially as education budgets are becoming ever more stretched" 

Saatchi Gallery Art Prize for Schools

Saatchi Gallery Art Prize for Schools is unique in its scope and accessibility, and is one of the largest international competitions open to primary, secondary and sixth form schools from around the world. Schools are invited to submit artwork by students between the ages of 4-18 years.

The Saatchi Gallery has a 30-year-long history of supporting emerging artists and bringing contemporary art to the widest possible audience. Saatchi Gallery Art Prize for Schools aims to support and encourage budding young artists by providing them with a platform to showcase their work, and giving them the confidence to continue studying art and to consider a creative career.