Scientific theories inspire Plymouth student to European art success

An intricate piece of artwork which took almost three months to complete has earned a Plymouth University student the top prize in a prestigious international competition.

Holly Knowles, a third year Fine Art student, won a €5,000 first prize after beating students from across Europe to the 2013 Hans Brinker Budget Trophy.

Run by the Amsterdam hotel of the same name, the contest attracts entries from some of the continent’s top art schools, with students’ work then pored over by the city’s art enthusiasts and subjected to a public vote.

Holly’s work is designed as an artistic representation of complex scientific theory, and he was chosen as the clear winner. The 23-year-old, a former student of King Edward VI Community College in Totnes, said: “It was a huge surprise to win and, in fact, I almost missed the presentation as I was talking to someone who wanted to buy my work. This is the first big exhibition I have been part of, and the first time I have shown my work to so many people, so it was fantastic to get such positive feedback. It was amazing to realise that so many people like the work I am doing, and it has given me a huge boost in confidence as I begin working on new material.”

As well as the financial prize, which Holly plans to spend on materials for his work and future shows, winning the competition will also give him the chance to display up to five of his new pieces at the exhibition which runs alongside the 2014 Hans Brinker Budget Trophy.

Holly was one of six Plymouth students who showed their work as part of the competition, and Phil Power, Associate Professor in Fine Art Contextual Practice, said: “Holly’s success is fantastic for him personally, and his achievement has also inspired more of our students to further their ambitions and creativity. This competition provides a unique experience for the students who took part, with the opportunity to meet and talk with people who have both interest and knowledge in their field. It was also a chance for them to share experiences and gain influence from one of Europe’s most artistic and cultural cities.”

Plymouth University’s Art and Design programme was named among the top 20 in the country, and the best in the South West, by the 2014 Guardian University Guide. For more information about the range of Art and Design courses offered at the University, visit https://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/faculties/arts/pages/courses.aspx