The Alan Davidson Foundation is proud to continue its support for the Under 26 category of the renowned John Ruskin Prize this year. The winners were revealed at the Exhibition Launch & Awards Announcement on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Trinity Buoy Wharf. Alice Goehrs was honored with the prize for their piece “120m² of gesture in the vastness,” which was presented by our director in front of a room filled with artists and industry professionals. The event was a tremendous success, and Hannah MacCaig also received a ‘Highly Commended’ mention for their work “Redwood.”
Additionally to the John Ruskin Prize, the foundation continues to support The Big Draw’s educational events programme running alongside the exhibition – which ended up being almost entirely funded by the Alan Davidson Foundation. They hosted a Drawing Symposium on Thursday 16th January where five speakers from creative fields explored the theme of ‘From the Eye to the Hand’ and its connection to their practice. Participants then took part in hands-on drawing and making sessions, led by the speakers. It was a brilliant day, with nearly 100 participants, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
They also ran daily artist demonstrations, as well as a number of school trips, working with a freelance educator to develop fun and inclusive activities for students to engage with the exhibition and produce their own drawings in response to the artworks. This was a huge success – every participating school has expressed interest in returning next year!
“The support from the Alan Davidson Foundation was invaluable in making the exhibition and the wider events programme such a success.”
Matilda Barratt Director of The Big Draw
Alice Goehrs
120 m² de geste dans le vaste (120 m² of gesture in the vastness)
“To materialise my gaze soaring towards the vast spaces of the Alpine mountains, I have begun to make and record the gesture of unfurling a large piece of thin plastic sheeting in the wind. I walk in the mountains, trying to reach sites I love, accompanied by friends who help me make this gesture. The plastic sheeting transforms into ice, waves, and hypnotizes our gaze. I can’t help noticing that a plastic sky is replacing snow, a natural element that is becoming increasingly rare. This action is now like a ritual for me, and I am still performing it today.”
