Mishcon de Reya announce inaugural winner of art prize

Artist receives £5,000 first prize at award presentation

Art teacher Michael James today became the first recipient of the Mishcon de Reya Art Prize at an award ceremony in Central London. Michael, 37, who is also a part-time student in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins, took home the award for his piece entitled “Deciphering what it is you really like”, a two-canvas oil painting that combines a variety of painting styles.

The competition, in partnership with Central Saint Martins and judged by a panel including independent collector and curator Kay Saatchi, asked participants to submit work inspired by the idea of ‘Creativity in Conflict.’

Depicting a selection of seemingly random objects like a fish on a plate, a rooster and even a teaspoon, Michael’s work created a sense of conflict in both style and substance that really impressed the judges. Earning him a prize of £5,000, his work has also earned pride of place on the walls of Mishcon de Reya’s Holborn offices in the process.

Michael said: “It’s a great honour to be awarded the inaugural Mishcon de Reya Art Prize, especially as I knew I was up against some stiff competition. However I’m very pleased the judges enjoyed my interpretation of the theme, and I’m proud that my artwork will be on show for all those visiting the Mishcon de Reya offices.” 

The event was also attended by runners-up Aimilia Xanthopoulo and Sun Mee Kang, who took second and third prizes respectively.

Sandra Davis, Head of Family Law at Mishcon de Reya and a member of the judging panel said: “Michael’s work really impressed us. It perfectly embraced the dual concept of creativity in conflict, the Family Department’s ethos which inspired the competition.

“With this cultural partnership, Mishcon de Reya aimed to inspire artists to create truly original work and we hope that it provides a great opportunity and challenge to young artists in the coming years.”

Joanna Greenhill, Central Saint Martins Course Director MA Fine Art: “This collaboration has been highly successful. The competition has provided the opportunity for MA students specialising in painting to increase their professional practice skills and the prospect to place work in a high profile location at Mishcon offices in Red Lion Square. 

“The students have been enthusiastic about the competition from the beginning. The shortlisted work covers a range of contemporary views related to Mishcon’s theme of ‘Creativity in Conflict’. We are very grateful to Mischon and, in particular, Sandra Davis for this great opportunity and thank all those involved in making this happen.”