Grenada born British artist Denzil Forrester is the recipient of the Government Art Collection’s Robson Orr TenTen Award 2024.
It was announced by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, philanthropists and award sponsors Sybil Robson Orr and Matthew Orr, and Director of the Government Art Collection Eliza Gluckman during an event at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, London.
During the announcement, his new work ‘Altar’ was unveiled, which depicts a scene from a reggae festival in Cornwall. 15 editions of Forrester’s print will be displayed in UK government buildings around the world while 11 are sold to support under-represented artists.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:
I’d like to congratulate Denzil Forrester, this year’s winning artist for The Robson Orr Ten Ten Award. Inspired by the 70s and 80s reggae and dub nightclubs of his youth, his print depicts the UK’s unrivalled music scene in a vibrant, upbeat and unique style. I look forward to seeing how the sale of his works will help raise funds to support emerging or under-represented UK artists and drive opportunity in all regions.
The Robson Orr TenTen Award is presented by the Government Art Collection and is sponsored by leading philanthropists Sybil Robson Orr and Matthew Orr.
Every year a British artist is commissioned to create a unique, limited-edition print. 15 editions of the print are displayed in government buildings around the world, while 11 are sold and funds are used to support under-represented artists by purchasing their art.
This year’s winning artist is Denzil Forrester, whose print “Altar” was created for the Government Art Collection and depicts a scene from a reggae festival in Cornwall, where the artist now lives and works. Forrester is best known for his vibrant works immortalising the London reggae and dub nightclub scene during the early 1980s.
Artist Denzil Forrester said:
The print for the Government Art Collection celebrates Cornwall nightlife. I’ve shown how light and sound distort the space, and used an aerial view to watch the scene unfold from above. So it incorporates a lot of what I use in my paintings, as well as the brilliant light of Cornwall.
Born in Grenada in 1956, Denzil Forrester moved to London in 1967. He received a BA in Fine Art from the Central School of Art, London in 1979 and an MA in Fine Art from the Royal College of Art, London in 1983. In 2021, Forrester was awarded an MBE in The Queen’s New Year Honours list. He is represented by Stephen Friedman Gallery, London and New York.
The Robson Orr TenTen Award: Denzil Forrester, Altar, 2024, Four-plate polymer etching on Somerset Satin White 300gsm, Paper size: 90 x 67.5 cm Image size 78.5 x 57.5 cm Edition of 30 + 6 APs + 4PPS Denzil Forrester is represented by Stephen Friedman Gallery.
Government Art Collection
The 10-year award scheme was launched in 2018 with previous awards given to Hurvin Anderson (2018), Tacita Dean (2019), Yinka Shonibare (2020), Lubaina Himid (2021), Rachel Whiteread (2022) and Michael Armitage (2023). The Government Art Collection, established in 1899, is a national collection of historic, modern and contemporary British art that is displayed in government buildings in the UK and around the world. These locations include 10 & 11 Downing Street, government departments, and the residences of British Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Consulates-General in over 125 countries worldwide. The works are seen by thousands of visitors, promoting British art and contributing to cultural diplomacy. We actively seek ways to widen public engagement with Government Art Collection works through partnerships and by participating in local, national and international events. From the 5th December 2024, the Government Art Collection will celebrate its 125th anniversary. artcollection.dcms.gov.uk
