Artist Ben Cove of Manchester was announced as the Winner of the prestigious N.W. Open Prize during the Private View held on 14th October at the Art Gene Gallery, in Barrow in Furness, Cumbria.

Ben Cove was presented with the prize letter by Chen Zhou, Director of the Chinese European Art Centre in Xaimen, South China.
 
The judges particularly liked Bens three paintings; ‘Superman’s First Love’, ‘Super Manor’ and ‘Lori Falls for Clarke’ which he submitted for the competition.

Painted on board in acrylic and household gloss, and with wheels attached to the bottom, they are bold and striking contemporary statements, drawing references to the comic book superhero.

Ben's paintings took pride of place in the Art Gene Gallery, among the other selected works from artists all over the North West.

"Its an uncompromising exhibition, a testament to the quality of art work being produced by local and regional artists and shows not only painting, but sculpture, print, mixed media, video works on T.V’s set on the floor, and a nice line in legs…...... wooden table legs and taxidermy bird legs !" Maddi Nicholson Artist founder

Following the call for entries, Art Gene received almost one hundred submissions of which over thirty went on to be selected for the N.W. Open Prize Exhibition.

The Selection Panel short-listed three submissions for the Prize, works by Ben Cove , and ‘Rushton and Tyman’ of Manchester and Carole Romaya of Lancaster

Ben says ’It’s great, I never thought I would win. I’m really looking forward to the residency at Art Gene, It’s a fantastic opportunity to develop some new work”

For the NW Open prize Exhibition, Art Gene welcomed Chen Zhou, Director of The Chinese European Art Centre, South China to the Selection Panel together with Paul Moss, Artist and Curator, Judith King Freelance Curator, with Stuart Bastik and Maddi Nicholson Artists and Founders of Art Gene.