Pupils’ art in line for award

Jun 17 2009 by Judith Tonner, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

TWO talented pupils from Caldervale High have had their artwork shortlisted for the final of a nationwide competition.

Self-portraits by Airdrie teenagers Antonie Smith and Fungai Mutezo were chosen in the top 100 entries of the Young Brits at Art contest, run by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

The duo from the Towers Road school beat off competition from more than 1600 budding young artists from across the country for the honour of having their work exhibited in London.

The contest asked youngsters to explore their identity and background and use their entry to tell people who they are and reflect their communities, their interests and their diversity.

Antonie said: “I painted myself with a hoodie on, playing with the idea that a hoodie makes you a bad person – the portrait is still of me and I am not any different with or without a hoodie.”

Each of the shortlisted pictures will be shown at the capital’s Southbank Centre, with seven judges, including artist Alison Lapper and art critic William Packer, choosing a top 10, which will be announced next month.