The BBA Artist Prize. A Rising Star Among The International Art Competitions.
I’m thrilled to feature this interview with the organisers of the BBA Artist Prize.
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of an international art prize?
We spoke to Nele Ouwens about this years event and the success of last years exciting overall winner Ming Lu.
Now open for entries for its 5th year, the BBA Artist Prize has rapidly become a highly regarded event which celebrates up and coming artist from around the globe whilst still offering support to all entrants with promotion on social media channels and on their website.
SAH: The BBA Artist Prize is now in it’s 5th consecutive year.
How did it all start?
BBA Gallery: It started with an Open Call 5 years ago, back when we were still a very new space in Berlin. We were amazed by the reactions and feed back we got from artists. There is a demand out there from artists who are eager to show their works and be recognized. Especially in Germany, where the gallery is still quite elitist.
We here at BBA are artists ourselves so we know both sides, and we understand how hard is it to be seen and promoted. We want to be able to give those not yet discovered a place to be seen, and not have it be based on their credentials, whom they know or where they studied.
Susanne Piotter, Marina Roca Die, and Chirag Jindal are just some of the Artists we found in this process, that we consider, dear friends to this day.
SAH: What makes the BBA Artist Prize, different from other opens?
BBA Gallery: First of all, the winner will receive a Solo exhibition at our gallery, which is of course an incredible opportunity. But BBA Artist Prize is much more than that. Artists from any background or education can participate and get their works promoted. It is not only focused on the short list or the long list selections.
Throughout the entirety of the process, we are advocating, supporting and showcasing artists on our social media platforms and website. This gives more exposure and engagement for new and emerging artists along with established artists.
This year we are able to showcase the artists in the venue Kühlaus Berlin, which is a beautiful industrial, modern, heritage site building. The space will allow more works of art than ever before, and a more diverse selection of pieces.
After the selected finalists are introduced into the BBA community. We support group shows in BBA Gallery, and include them on Artsy. As a community we keep the engagement alive well after the exhibition because we genuinely want to stay connected with them
SAH: What role does this competition (exhibition) play within the contemporary art scene?
BBA Gallery: Open Calls run by private initiatives and/or Art Galleries are not common in Germany. Art Galleries are usually very selective, it’s hard to get in. We want to break this pattern, and allow every artist a chance. The BBA Artist Prize is an initiative, run by artists who founded their own gallery and it is for artists all around the world. It is celebrating the arts and diversity in talent. It provides a stage and wants to nurture artists in an authentic and positive atmosphere.
SAH: What advice would you give someone entering the BBA Artist Prize?
BBA Gallery: Quality is key. Work needs to be current and not older than 5 years. And it is always better to present a consistent series than several pieces that are not connected and where the jury cannot understand the approach. But in the end it all comes down to the artist and their uniqueness. If your works are complicated and conceptual, your application is allowed to reflect that, and if your works are funny, your statement can be as well.
SAH: How does the selection process work? Are there particular characteristics that you and the jury look for?
BBA Gallery: The jury is looking for artists who show the highest potential, outstanding creativity with professionalism, and who have most convincingly and skillfully executed a concept or work. But in all honesty, you can’t really put a finger on it, or describe this. The work will just stand out, and that can be in any medium, shape, or form. Great artwork triggers your reaction, there’s a tingle, something’s activated, in your body or your mind
Blues Is My Business by Ming LuSAH: Is there one entry that has stood out and you are still able to visualize from last year?
BBA Gallery: Ming Lu, our winner from last year, is definitely worth a mention! She will have her Solo show with us this summer. Her artworks are precious classical porcelain sculptures and embroideries but with a funny and critical twist. Very subversive and personal. Watch out for her!
With special thanks to Nele Ouwens.
Director/Curator at BBA Gallery.
Nele Ouwens has a Master’s degree in art history, theatre studies and politics from Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany. She is a painter and has many years of experience in project organisation and curation, art and journalistic writing as well as PR and marketing. Nele has lived and worked in Berlin since 2011.
About the prize:
Currently open for entries. Entry fee applies.
There are no restrictions based on age, training or nationality.
Click here to apply
