The John Moores Painting Prize is the UK's biggest painting competition and has always been a key part of Liverpool Biennial. Dubbed the 'Oscars of the painting world', the competition returns once again to the Walker Art Gallery this year, bringing a fascinating array of approaches to one of art’s most traditional mediums.
The endurance of paint to both enable and inspire artists to create radical, beautiful and challenging work is evident throughout the exhibition. The mix is eclectic, with landscapes, portraits, abstract and sculptural works from 50 artists selected from more than 2,500 entrants. The exhibition opens on 5 July, with the ultimate first prize, sponsored by David M. Robinson, to be awarded in September 2014.
Past winners include David Hockney (1967), Mary Martin (1969), Peter Doig (1993) and most recently, Sarah Pickstone (2012).