Artist Steve in running for top prize

A DALE artist known for his big, bold outdoor installations has been shortlisted for an international art prize.
Steve Messam said he was “gobsmacked” to be selected as one of six finalists for this year’s Aesthetica Magazine’s Art Prize, which celebrates contemporary art in all its forms.
Launched in 2007, the prize celebrates creativity and talent across new visual media. Last year Mr Messam, well-known for his installations that explore the rural environment, was listed among the top 100 artists by the magazine.
He said: “They have literally just notified everybody and I am totally gobsmacked. To be a finalist is incredible as it is an international magazine that is seen all around the world by top curators.
“To stand out on an international stage is amazing, even though I’m not competitive. Getting to the final is just incredible for me as it means my work is getting seen and recognised internationally.”
His latest work, Architect of Ruins, temporarily transformed a number of ruined structures in Teesdale into fantastical follies using brightly coloured inflatable creations.
Photographs of the installations were blown up on to huge 8mx3m billboards for an exhibition at Ushaw College last year.
Mr Messam, of Middleton-in-Teesdale, believes it is this work which has attracted the eye of the 12-person judging panel.
He said: “I know at least four of the judges had been to my exhibition at Ushaw as they posted photographs on their social media, but I don’t know who any of the other finalists are at the moment.”
The winner of the Aesthetica Art Prize will be announced on June 23. The finalists’ exhibition, which will feature work by all of those shortlisted is being held at York Art Gallery, opening on June 24.
Mr Messam added: “What’s nice is there is a finalist exhibition and it’s going to be the first time I’ve had stuff in a gallery. I have had my work in the Bowes Museum, but not an art gallery.
“The point about my artwork is that it’s designed to be seen in the landscape so it’s going to be interesting to see how we get things into a gallery with enough room for the other finalists.”