A Jersey artist who compared their chances of scooping a prestigious national art prize to “winning the lottery” has beaten around 1,500 entries to take home the top award.
Dr Adam Perchard was awarded the prestigious Hogarth Art Prize after being shortlisted for two works, English Ships and Leviathan, which are currently on display at Hogarth’s House in Chiswick, London.
The competition, which is open to UK-based artists working in any wall-based medium, awards the winner a £3,000 prize and a solo exhibition at the historic home of celebrated 18th-century artist William Hogarth.
Speaking after the announcement, Dr Perchard said the news had come as a complete surprise.
“It was a complete bolt from the blue – almost literally,” they said.
“It felt like being struck by the nicest fork of lightning in the world. Electrifying and shocking and wonderful.
“I’d daydreamed about how incredible it would be to win, of course – but in the same way that people dream about winning the lottery. I never really thought for a moment that it would happen.”
As the news has begun to sink in, Dr Perchard said the prospect of staging their first solo exhibition in London has made the achievement feel even more real.
“Meeting the museum’s lovely team and beginning to discuss the possibilities of what I might do with them has made it all feel more real – and even more exciting, if that’s possible,” they added.
When Express first spoke to Dr Perchard following the shortlist announcement, they said simply being selected had already felt like a victory.
Now, after taking home the top prize with their piece Leviathan, they described the recognition as “completely transformative”.
“I think being an artist in any artform requires a lot of dogged determination,” said Dr Perchard.
“If we’re lucky, we have our successes, but we also all have to go through periods of rejection – and those are really difficult.
“You have to try and harden your skin and keep going; keep trudging on through the rain and telling yourself that you really do have something to offer.
“Right now, it feels like the rain has cleared and I can work in the sunshine for a bit. I feel free and supported – nervous, of course, about pulling off my first solo art show – but incredibly exhilarated. The road ahead feels full of wonderful possibilities.”
Dr Perchard also praised the Island’s creative community for helping shape their career.
“I can’t imagine what my work would be like if it hadn’t been nurtured and supported by Jersey’s amazing arts scene,” they said.
“We are a small island full of big opportunities for artists.”
Encouraging others to pursue their own creative ambitions, the artist added: “Do it, baby!
“You might be frightened, you might be overwhelmed, but do it anyway.
“Making it up as you go along can be a super-power. Find your voice and let it be heard.”
