The Annabel Avison Prize launches at Solent

Known as The Annabel Avison Prize for Exceptional Achievement in Fine Art, in honour of the talented artist and Solent alumna, this award has been generously funded by Annabel’s family and will run for the next 10 years.

The prize has been created to recognise an outstanding BA (Hons) Fine Art student who has reached the end of their studies at Solent, awarding £500 in recognition of their hard work, commitment and exceptional talent. Annabel’s father, James Avison, says:

“Working with the University to launch this prize has been an uplifting experience. The family were keen not to make this a dusty memorial but to shine a light on endeavour, and spur students on to push themselves further than they thought they could.

“Annabel learned how to go beyond her expectations at Solent, and it became a defining quality in her as a human. We wanted to recognise that in this prize; we’re really pleased to be able to support this. Congratulations to the first winner, Charlotte – a deserving recipient.”

Charlotte White has been named the inaugural winner, following the Department of Art and Music’s degree show on Friday 6 June. Charlotte was chosen for the dedication she has shown to growing her practice as an emerging artist, and the tenderness she demonstrates in her artwork.

Senior Research Fellow, Dr Atsuhide Ito, who has administered the prize on behalf of the Avison family, says:

“Charlotte has a genuine curiosity and thirst for knowledge and skills. She has pursued her practice with ambition, developing nuanced and beautiful work. It was difficult to select a winner as we had very strong contenders, but we are very happy to have chosen Charlotte for this year’s prize.

“The Avison family have been an absolute inspiration in making this happen – thank you!”

Charlotte finished her time at Solent by creating a Final Major Project (FMP) which explores the beauty standards and expectations under which women live. Through beautiful portraits, Charlotte deconstructs the visual structure of oppression to highlight the impact that this has on young women and girls. On how Solent has helped her to develop as an emerging artist, Charlotte says:

“The lecturers have let me expand myself as an artist and develop my research skills. I’ve been able to explore my concepts in detail and push my work forward to experiment more. I’ve also had one-to-one support for my dyslexia from Heidi Deal, and I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have without her help.”

Charlotte graduates from Solent on Tuesday 8 July. She has been selected for ‘a space’ arts’ graduate programme, RIPE, which supports emerging artists in Southampton across a range of disciplines. Through this programme, Charlotte will have the opportunity to exhibit her work, network with other artists, and further develop her practice.

Reflecting on becoming the first winner of The Annabel Avison Prize for Exceptional Achievement in Fine Art, Charlotte says, “It honestly means the world to me. It’s an amazing achievement and shows me that all my hard work has really paid off. It inspires me to put 110% into every aspect of my life and career.”