Lydia Ham, a third-year painting major at UNC Asheville, has been named a finalist for the AXA Art Prize.
One of the leading student art competitions in the nation, the AXA Art Prize aims to support up-and-coming artists from the United States, with an emphasis on providing a platform for artists to showcase their work. Artists who have won the $10,000 cash prize have gone on to have their own solo galleries in Rome and Los Angeles. Regardless of the prize, finalists will have their paintings shown in New York and be juried live.
“I feel so incredibly proud and am filled up with gratitude to be given this opportunity,” said Ham. “It was said by the AXA Art Prize organization that 700 artists applied for their work to be in this exhibition, and only 40 were accepted. I am very appreciative to be one of the 40 able to have our work exhibited and to be placed in a group with such talented and skilled artists. This all tells me that my hard work is being noticed and to keep on creating.”
Ham’s work focuses on the human figure, exploring themes of femininity, intimacy, loneliness, and vulnerability. Her painting “The Sleeper” was produced in one of UNC Asheville’s painting classes, and Ham was encouraged by professors to submit her work to the contest.
“My experience as an art major at UNCA has been wonderful; I consider the art building, Owen Hall, a second home,” said Ham. “We have very intelligent and helpful professors in the art department who have definitely helped push me to be the best artist I can be."
"This prize is extremely competitive with students entering from programs across the US," said Tamie Beldue, chair and professor of art. "I think Lydia's success in being chosen as a finalist speaks to her success as a dedicated, determined and talented student. Further, it speaks to the foothold our Department of Art & Art History program has across the country in preparing students with an education that rivals private art schools."
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