The British Library played host to the eighth Women in Art Prize last month, and the evening had all the buzz of a cultural moment. Now firmly on the radar for collectors, curators and art lovers alike, the prize shines a spotlight on female-identifying talent across painting, photography, print, sculpture and beyond. What makes it so special is not just the calibre of the work, but the infectious energy it brings – this was a night of celebration, encouragement and creative daring.
This year’s big win went to Bianca Raffaella, who scooped both the Overall Prize – the Art Academy Exhibition Prize – and the Printing Prize, supported by Printed Editions, with her series Just out of reach – Close; Closer; Closest. Her work, exploring intimacy, proximity and perspective, set the tone for a night that was all about nuance, layered meaning and new ways of seeing.
Painting was represented in powerful style by Judy Clarkson, winner of the Paula Rego Painting Prize with Kneeling Woman. The judges praised its quiet force – a work that draws you in slowly but leaves a lasting impression. Photography, meanwhile, went to Rona Bar, whose Lois and her mother Carey, before Shabbat dinner offered a tender and timely exploration of family, ritual and connection.
Sally Baldwin picked up the Sculpture Prize with Lost Souls, while Emi Avora took the Overseas Artist Prize, supported by the Tryson Collection, with her vivid piece To See Everything at Once. Both reminded us how material and perspective can be pushed in unexpected ways, sparking conversations well beyond the gallery walls.
Exhibition opportunities were another highlight this year, creating real-world platforms for artists to share their work. Annie Luke Turner claimed the Hampstead School of Art Exhibition Prize for Helsfell Hall 2, while Ellis King’s Desperate Housewife won the Square Feet Gallery Exhibition Prize. Helen Masacz took home the Riverstone Living Prize with Eat pray love, and Jitrachote White won the Hosking House Trust Residency Prize for Quiet Resolve. Each one signals an artist poised for a bigger stage.
The Tim May Memorial Prize went to Gherdai Hassell for Why we Need Audacity – a piece as bold as its title – while the Susan Angoy Prize, recognising artists of African and Caribbean heritage, was awarded to Marcia Patterson for Duality – strength and weakness. Kirsty Bekoe-Tabiri was named runner-up for Kingpin, a piece with a striking visual presence and a clear narrative punch.
The impressive list of winners feels like a snapshot of where women’s art is right now: daring, deeply personal, and defiantly wide-ranging. The Women in Art Prize has always been about more than just accolades, but about visibility, opportunity and rewriting the story of who gets seen in galleries and collections. Judging by this year’s showing, it’s a story that’s only getting stronger.
If you’re feeling inspired and thinking of picking up a brush, a lens or a chisel, submissions for the 2026 edition open next spring. This is your chance to be part of a growing platform that celebrates women’s voices in art.
The full list of winners
- Overall Winner 2025 – The Art Academy Exhibition Prize: Bianca Raffaella, Just out of reach – Close; Closer; Closest
- The Paula Rego Painting Prize: Judy Clarkson, Kneeling Woman
- The Eve Arnold Photography Prize: Rona Bar, Lois and her mother Carey, Before Shabbat dinner
- The Sculpture Prize: Sally Baldwin, Lost Souls
- The Printing Prize, supported by Printed Editions: Bianca Raffaella, Just out of reach – Close; Closer; Closest
- The Overseas Artist Prize, supported by Tryson Collection: Emi Avora, To See Everything at Once
- The Hampstead School of Art Exhibition Prize: Annie Luke Turner, Helsfell Hall 2
- The Square Feet Gallery Exhibition Prize: Ellis King, Desperate Housewife
- The Riverstone Living Prize: Helen Masacz, Eat pray love
- The Hosking House Trust Residency Prize: Jitrachote White, Quiet Resolve
- Tim May Memorial Prize: Gherdai Hassell, Why we Need Audacity
- The Susan Angoy Artist of African and Caribbean Heritage Prize – Winner: Marcia Patterson, Duality – strength and weakness
- Runner-up: Kirsty Bekoe-Tabiri, Kingpin
