Christienne Cuevas wins The Kingston Prize 2017

The Kingston Prize of $20,000, presented by the Haynes Connell Foundation, was awarded to Christienne Cuevas during the opening exhibition at the Peel Art Gallery on November 4, 2017.

As an artist, I have two impulses that struggle to find their expression—an exacting impulse that demands precision and is strengthened through classical training, and an expressive impulse that longs to break free from the confines of rigid perfectionism. When I find the right balance, a work is finished.

– Christienne Cuevas (Kitchener, Ontario)

Juror's Comment

Portrait of the Artist by Christienne Cuevas is a masterful take on the use of classic mediums, including carbon, graphite, and ink to create a self-portrait for the twenty-first century. The work combines excellence in techniques of both drawing and painting as well as minimalism and high realism to create a mesmerizing stare that captivates the viewer who is drawn into a profound consideration of the artist’s identity and her commentary on self representation. Understated yet powerfully haunting, Portrait of the Artist acknowledges the best of history's genre of self portraiture while looking to the future.

– Sara Angel, Juror

Two Honourable Mention Awards of $2,000 each were presented to Shaun Downey and Daniel Hughes.

Joey O’Neil is a folk singer who grew up in Toronto, but now resides in the Yukon . . . I am always struck with the dichotomy of her existence, such a wild range of experiences has made her a wonderfully wise and well rounded soul.

– Shaun Downey, Toronto, Ontario

My painting is of Canadian Sculptor Shayne Dark who is a close friend and colleague. Shayne was going through chemotherapy when he posed for me and was generous enough to open himself up emotionally . I tried to convey his fragility and strength through this painting.

Shayne is now in full remission I am so pleased to say.

– Daniel Hughes, Kingston, Ontario

Source: The Kingston Prize