The Dubel Prize offers a prestigious platform dedicated to celebrating and highlighting the extraordinary artistic talent of emerging artists in the UK. The inaugural event served as a captivating showcase of what’s to come. Our editor-in-chief, Kai Lutterodt, shares more from the extravagent evening.
As far as launch events go, The Dubel Prize inaugural event held on Saturday 26th August, was an extravagant affair in the realm of launches. Held at the prestigious Royal Exchange, the exclusive black-tie gathering welcomed an impressive guestlist list of influencers, fashion icons, creatives, and esteemed corporate partners. The event, by invitation only, showcased the rising stars in the UK’s art scene, leaving a lasting impression on all those in attendance. Drinks flowed throughout the night, courtesy of Fortnum & Masons.
As it turns out, I wasn’t Soho’s only export into the City of London for a celebratory evening. Centrepoint, the UK’s leading charity for Young Homeless People, and Yamaha Music, who’s flagship store is located on Wardour Street, were key partners of the event with roots strongly tied to Soho, proving that even in the grandeur of the City of London, the spirit of Soho endures (I knew I’d find a connection to write this article for My Soho Times)!
“Art is much more than just a painting, a sculpture, or a melody; it is an expression of the human spirit.” – Damian Alexander Dubel, The Dubel Prize founder
An evening of extravagance: The Dubel Prize Launch at The Royal Exchange | Photo credit: Alan Strutt
Stepping into the role of the gracious host was none other than Kemi Rogers, a respected Radio and TV Presenter, and a skilled live DJ. Radiating elegance, she graced the stage in a tastefully fitted metallic gown. Introducing Damian Alexander Dubel onto the stage, the awards founder expressed heartfelt appreciation to all those who made time on a Bank Holiday Saturday to commemorate the inaugural Dubel Awards —an idea that had been brewing in his mind and, with the support of partners like Red Eight Gallery, has now become a reality.
Dubel reiterates the importance of collaboration in his profound Welcome Message found in the event brochure:
The unwavering support we’ve received from our partners has been amazing, and I am deeply grateful for their contributions. Their involvement underscores the potential that materialises when driven minds collaborate.
As we move forward, let’s continue to harness the power of collaboration, and together we’ll cultivate a legacy of excellence that transcends individual achievement-a legacy that exemplifies the boundless possibilities that emerge when we come together with common purpose.
ABOUT THE DUBEL PRIZE
The Dubel Prize is awarded to recognise emerging British artists who primarily work either within Britain or on an international scale. Interested artists are invited to submit their applications for consideration of the award.
From these submissions, a shortlist of twelve artists is created at the start of each calendar year. These selected artists will have the opportunity to showcase their works at individual events hosted by the Dubel Prize.
At the end of the year, an awards ceremony takes place, where a panel of judges consisting of curators, critics, authors, and industry experts from the UK and beyond will choose the emerging artist of the year.
Given the challenges faced by the performing arts in recent years, with multiple lockdowns, social restrictions, and health constraints, the Dubel Prize aims to highlight exceptionally talented artists. Furthermore, our goal is to provide support and assistance to the selected artist throughout the year and beyond.
Winner of the Dubel Prize Receives
- Winners award – £20,000
- Free Creative space for 1 year
- 4 night Trip to Hong Kong
- Article in Annual Coffee table book
- Interview in Art Review Magazine
- Art work showcased in Venues around London including, Hotels and private members clubs
- Art Supplies – £1,000 Value
- Annual Membership to Home Grown (£2,000)
- Signed to Red Eight Gallery for 3 years
- Art work shown at the 5 year anniversary event
Amidst the electrifying atmosphere of networking, a few artists’ work caught my attention, and they graciously provided me with some insights into their artistic endeavors, the profound significance of being shortlisted for the prize, and their unforgettable experiences from that remarkable night.
Richard Embrey
“My work is based on life in London, with a particular focus on Soho and Lucian Freud in the current series. It was a great experience being selected as a finalist for the Dubel Prize. The party was amazing and a much bigger event that i thought it would be! The night itself was amazing, with everyone (but the artists!) dressed up in evening wear. I felt underdressed!”
Karen Turner
“My work is about society’s attitudes towards fat bodies, specifically the fat bodies of women. The Prize is really innovative in that it gives each of the finalists a whole year of working with an incredible gallery, so I’m still pinching myself that I’ve been selected. The event at The Royal Exchange was just exhilarating. Obviously it was wonderful to be in a beautiful venue surrounded by luxury, but nothing beats getting your work in front of a new audience and I was blown away by everyone’s reactions to my paintings.”
Niller Svenningsen
“The majority of my work is acrylic and oil + collage on canvas (to a wide range of sizes), with a tendency towards chaotic scenes with references to religion, fairy tales and sci-fi. It’s been an amazing experience to be shortlisted for the Dubel prize. To see many years of hard work finally paying off and getting recognition is such a great honour.The Royal Exchange is an incredibly captivating space so to have the event there was very special. Upon walking through the entrance, one could tell that so much thought and care had been put into the event. Seeing my work in that venue along with all the other shortlisted artists is a dream come true.”
MEET THE PANEL
DAMIAN ALEXANDER DUBEL – FOUNDER OF THE DUBEL PRIZE
Damian is an entrepreneur known for his ventures such as Mr Red Fox Of London, Bella Mayford, Disrupt Events, and Disrupt Media. With a longstanding passion for the arts and events, Damian has ingeniously merged his interests to establish the Dubel Prize.
JULIAN USHER – RED EIGHT GALLERY CEO
Julian is an experienced art dealer with several years experience of managing client portfolios. He is Sotheby’s trained and is the CEO of Red Eight Gallery.”Our artists come from all corners of the globe, bringing unique perspectives and artistic visions to their work. We take pride in supporting talented individuals and giving them a platform to showcase their creations.”
MAEVE DOYLE – ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF THE MADDOX GALLERY
An internationally renowned art critic and Artistic Director of Maddox Gallery. Maeve is BBC radio’s art correspondent and the host of ‘A Private View with Maeve Doyle’. Maeve studied in Vancouver and was the owner of London Gallery, Doyle Devere. She was also at the helm of Mayfair’s infamous Bankrobber Gallery which was responsible for the sale of Banksy’s murals, Slave Labour and Girl with Balloon.
CARSTEN RECKSIK – PUBLISHER AT ARTREVIEW
Carsten Recksik studied Art and Public Space at the Academy of Fine Arts in Nuremberg (2003) and Sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich
(2006). In 2007, he received a scholarship to study at the Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado art school. São Paulo. Recksik is a board member of the Society for German-Chinese Cultural Exchange, Berlin, and of the non-profit institution E-Werk Luckenwalde.
WILL TEATHER – BRITISH PAINTER
Will Teather is known for creating contemporary images that reveal an adventurous imagination combined with a mastery of traditional skills. Wills figurative paintings and drawings often depict curious characters caught up in uncanny situations. Influenced by magical-realism and lifting motifs from diverse sources such as Flemish still life, baroque art and Weimar painters.
DAMEON SANDHU – HOME HOUSE DIRECTOR OF SALES
Dameon holds 29 years industry experience in hotel operations, sales and marketing in the hospitality sector. Throughout this time, he has accumulated a wealth of industry knowledge working closely with country houses, boutique city centre hotels, as well as properties overseas.
RICHARD UTTING – PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CENTRE POINT
Richard has been with Centrepoint for over 10 years and is responsible for producing many of the charities fundraising galas which have included performances from Taylor Swift, Jon Bon Jovi and Duran Duran. He is currently raising funds and awareness for the organisations £30m Independent Living Programme
OKIEM – AWARD WINNING PIANIST & COMPOSER
OKIEM is a pianist & composer who’s music is described as “cinematic classical”. He creates his signature sound by combining piano, orchestral instruments and synthesizers.He has toured on keyboards for many of the biggest artists in the music industry from Leona Lewis, to Tinie Tempah to opening up for John Legend & Prince.
MATTHEW LORD – PARTNERSHIPS & PRIVATE CLIENTS ART MONEY
A passionate arts professional with extensive experience. He has worked with industry leaders including Phillips Auctioneers and White Cube, where he gained a deep understanding of the art market. Motivated by the endless potential for innovation in the art industry, Matthew is committed to creating positive change in the art world.
To find our more about The Dubel Prize, visit: www.dubelprize.com | @thedubelprize
Written by Kai Lutterodt | | IG @the.soho.girl | Twitter @thesohogirl | Photos courtesy of Alan Strutt @alanstrutt
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