19.Apr.2007 : Mercury Art Prize
A 27-year-old student from London has been awarded the Nationwide Mercury art prize at a ceremony held in Covent Garden.
Mark Melvin, who is studying at Central Saint Martins in the capital, won the award for his installation piece Applause, securing a £5,000 prize.
DJ and TV presenter Lauren Laverne was on hand to announce the winner and the artwork will now grace the cover of the 2007 Nationwide Mercury Prize compilation CD, which is released in August.
Mr Melvin studied as an undergraduate at Glasgow School of Art before moving to London. He said the award will ‘make a huge difference’ to his career as an artist.
‘This is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me. I am completely overwhelmed to win this prestigious prize and be recognised in this way,’ he added.
Other artists picking up the £1,000 highly commended awards included Rachael Clewlow from the University of Newcastle and David Sullivan and Tamara Dubnyckyj, from the Royal College of Art.
David Rankin from Manchester Metropolitan University and Clare Dorsett from the University of Brighton also won the £1,000 award.
Sir Peter Blake, an artist on the judging panel, said: ‘The art here is from students from all over the country - it was a difficult task choosing the finalists.
‘This is a very impressive exhibition that highlights the outstanding quality of work coming out of British art schools and the ongoing relationship between music and art.’
Over 2,000 entries were received for this year’s art prize, including work from over 130 art colleges and universities.
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