ABSTRACT
APRIL 2025
BEST IN SHOW
OLEG LIPCHENKO
"MEDITATION AT THE END OF TIME"
Graphite
“My approach is symbolic, surreal and metaphysical and my style
is plastically refined with an emphasis on expression.” — OLEG LIPCHENKO
GOLDEN TRIO AWARD
KATHY SAYAD ZATARI
"FEARLESS" "MAGIC FLIGHT"
"DANCING FLUTE"
Mixed media
“Abstract artists are brave. It takes courage to let go of a known image and to step into the unknown. Abstract art is improvisation, using rules of composition to step away from reality. I believe the artist must take chances. One of my favorite quotes is from the philosopher Walter Benjamin, who said, “Strength lies in improvisation. All the decisive blows are struck left-handed.” His words spoke to me as an artist. Abstract art should enter an imaginary realm where neither traditional time nor space exist. Bravery in abstract art requires the choice of the never told. What I try to bring to my paintings is a sense of magic. I don’t paint what I see, I paint what I wonder.” — KATHY SAYAD ZATARI
DIAMOND AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
MARGARET WASIUTA
**SAPPHIRE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2021**
"LAND OF DESIRE"
Acrylic
“The image I create has a strong intuitive aspect, originating from my blurred, hazy memories, imagination and dreams. It represents an intimate connection to nature, seeing Earth as a sensual being to be communed with, by rooting into her depth and extending out into the sky. The recognition and re-creation of my concept in the viewer can facilitate a deeper union with life itself by stimulating and awakening something deep inside of them. The abstract elements and perspectives allow the pieces I’m creating to be intuitively understood through viewers’ emotions and senses, to be shaped and moulded by their unique, personal lenses.” — MARGARET WASIUTA
DIAMOND AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
LINDA MCCORD
**SAPPHIRE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2022**
"DANCING IN THE WIND"
Acrylic
“This series of acrylics is about freedom. Emphasis is on rhythm — the dance of movement throughout the work. I've used cool colors to create a sense of peaceful motion.” — LINDA MCCORD
DIAMOND AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
NELL-LYNN PERERA
**SAPPHIRE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2023**
**CRYSTAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2022**
"BURGEONING"
Mixed media
“As a Chromesthete, I’m only aware of what’s before me. I unconsciously paint emotions derived from a single piece of music which I listen to on loop while painting. The music tells me what to do rather than my hands and my mind. Colours and movement which I see and feel from that piece of music are translated onto paper or canvas. I insist on not adhering to conformity in every aspect of my life and I challenge myself to explore new methods in abstract painting. My favourite media are watercolour and acrylic. Both offer me different challenges and different ways of painting. My work has evolved over the years, giving me that freedom that I seek from life. This is how I've continued to stay true to myself without allowing others to dictate my work. While I paint, I lose myself and my ego which I find self-liberating.”
— NELL-LYNN PERERA
SAPPHIRE AWARD
LILLIANNE DAIGLE
"DEPARTURE"
Digital
RUBY AWARD
GABRIELE GRACINE
**EMERALD ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2021**
EMERALD AWARD
KALIB BRYAN
"THE ART OF AN AUTUMN LEAF"
Photography
CRYSTAL AWARD
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AWARD OF MERIT
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HONOURABLE MENTION
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**WINNERS VIDEO**
FINALISTS
