Director and Founder of Guts Gallery, Ellie Pennick joins the panel of expert judges for Jackson’s Painting Prize 2022. Here, the young gallerist shares their favourite artworks of 2022, the vision they have for the gallery and what they’ll be looking for in the entries to the competition this year.
Above image: Lamb of God, 2022, Jamiu Agboke, Oil on canvas, Bespoke walnut tray frame, 20 x 25 cm | 7 7/8 x 9 7/8 in
Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your work?
Ellie: I was born in a working-class family in Yorkshire, England, and I am proudly Queer. I was an artist and received a place at The Royal College of Art. Due to my lack of finances, I was unable to study there. At that point, I questioned the wider austerity and inequality within the art world. I thought “What have I got to lose?” and made the crazy decision to open an art gallery, with no business background or experience working in a commercial gallery. Since then, it’s been my mission to support and champion artists who deserve space in the art world. Guts Gallery’s mission is to challenge and change the traditional art business model, which has only ever been a barrier to artists from underrepresented backgrounds.
Deliverance of my heart, 2022
Elsa Rouy
Acrylic, pressed flowers on canvas, 150 x 120 cm | 59 x 47 1/4 in
What have been your exhibition highlights of 2022? Who are the artists or artworks you were most inspired by this past year?
Ellie: Artists I have been inspired by are the Guts championed artists. Watching them develop and their positive attitude within the art world despite barriers is an inspiration.
Here are my favourites from each artist:
- Emanuel de Carvalho, Lack Dream Kill
- Olivia Sterling, The Women Around the Table
- Jamiu Agboke, Weeping Willow
- Douglas Cantor, I Don’t Want Your Money Honest I Want Your Love
- Shadi Al Atallah, Home is a Heavy Chest
- Elsa Rouy, I Could Always Crack a Joke
- Sophie Vallance Cantor, You Know We’re All Alone in This Together, Right?
I can only choose my favourite group show exhibition highlights of 2022, as I hate to favourite solo shows. These shows are ‘The Artist is Present’, ‘Buffer’, and ‘And this skin of mine, to live again a second time’. All these shows included international artists. I feel it is vital to exhibit international artists in London and introduce them to a new audience. It is easy for a London gallery to become too UK centric because of logistical ease.
Auto-Performance I, 2022
Emanuel de Carvalho
Oil on linen, 180 x 140 cm | 70 7/8 x 55 1/8 in
How important do you think awards and competitions are for artists today?
Ellie: So so so important. We are in a cost-of-living crisis, and studio rent and material costs are higher than ever. I know first-hand how hard it is to try and survive with minimal income or on benefits, and it’s close to impossible. I am seeing a lot more awards this year, which is refreshing. Get the tories out, and keep these awards coming I say!
Adam’s Crooked Rib, 2021
Shadi Al-Atallah
Mixed media on un stretched canvas, 181 x 164 cm | 71 1/4 x 64 5/8 in
What will you be looking for in the entries submitted to the competition this year?
Ellie: Works that stand out, that push boundaries, and artists who currently do not have the privilege of a platform of support.
AUTISTIC BITCH, 2022
Sophie Vallance Cantor
Oil on canvas, 152 x 152 cm | 59 7/8 x 59 7/8 in
Do you have any advice for artists out there thinking about entering Jackson’s Painting Prize this year?
Ellie: Be unapologetically yourself.
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The Women Around the Table, 2022
Olivia Sterling
Acrylic on canvas, 150 x 200 cm | 59 1/8 x 78 3/4 in
