Stuart Edwards with Diarmid Scott, Innes & Gunn
Two students from Aberdeen’s Gray’s School of Art have been named winners at the country’s biggest and most prestigious arts competition; The John Byrne Award 2020, in recognition of their powerful work.
Artist Harmony Bury (25) and filmmaker Stuart Edwards (30), have triumphed over thousands of entries to each take a headline prize at a star-studded event in Edinburgh hosted by broadcaster Vic Galloway and attended by 1,000 guests.
The competition, named after the leading Scottish artist and writer John Byrne, saw the work of entrants judged by a panel of high-profile names. These included David Eustace; the esteemed international photographer, Andy Scott; the US-based sculptor behind the iconic ‘The Kelpies’, and Aamer Anwar; the award-winning lawyer and justice campaigner.
Harmony’s dramatic and thought-provoking art installation entitled ‘Scottish Forestry: Has Profit Trumped Biodiversity’ saw her win The John Byrne Award for Critical Thinking.
Filmmaker Stuart’s documentary entitled ‘What Traces of Ourselves Do We Leave Behind’ observed how time is fleeting and reflected on moments, feelings and experiences lived. He won The John Byrne Award for Positivity.
Niall Dolan, chief executive of The John Byrne Award commented;
“The response to this year’s competition was phenomenal with entries received from every part of Scotland, and the quality, depth and diversity of work was notable.
“We extend our congratulations to Harmony and Stuart and thank them for sharing such thought-provoking and timely pieces of work.
“Inclusivity is the ethos of The John Byrne Award and we are delighted the competition enjoys such high levels of respect and resonates with so many people.”
John Byrne added;
“I think it is very good that such a wide range of creative people are eligible for the awards. Hopefully it will encourage those who are unknown to keep going at whatever they are doing.”