Longlist honour for John’s light design

Cherie Federico, Director and Curator of the Aesthetica Art Prize, said: “Congratulation to John for being longlisted. The competition for this year’s Prize was particularly fierce, with over 3,000 entries from 60 countries and just 100 artists being selected for the longlist.”

The Aesthetica Art Prize is a celebration of contemporary art from around the world and showcases selected works from eight shortlisted artists in a group exhibition at York St Mary’s in partnership with York Museums Trust. The longlist is published in an anthology accompanying the exhibition.

John’s ‘elica’ pendant light is made from fluted polypropylene sheets.

He said: “The sheets are laser cut into shape and assembled by hand to create an interesting pattern. When illuminated the lantern has a delicate, and distinctive, porcelain appearance.

“By taking a fresh spin on using common industrial materials I have created a unique pendant light design.”

The elica lantern pendant design was also a finalist in both the ‘Delight in Light’ Competition 2013 and the New Design Britain Awards 2014.

Warren Fearn, Head of Programme – Design, York St John University, said: “John created his design in the first year as a product designer, understanding the principles of CAD and materials to achieve a simple, elegant outcome.

“I’m delighted this has received another nomination, which only demonstrates the quality of design work achieved at York St John.”

Photos of his design and his designer’s statement about the piece will be on display at the Aesthetica Art Prize Exhibition and he will also be included in the Aesthetica Arts Prize Anthology.

Ms Federico said: “It is so exciting to curate and present a selection of emerging artists, both in the exhibition and in the anthology and it is a fantastic way for artists to engage with a wider, international audience. We are really excited about this year’s selection.”

The winner of the 2015 Aesthetica Art Prize will be revealed on Wednesday 25 March. Aesthetica has a commitment to supporting, nurturing and championing new talent and provides an outlet for emerging artists to showcase their work to a wider audience and further their involvement in the international art world.