In an exclusive grand-finale held at Gallery Nature Morte, The Oberoi, Gurgaon, Glenfiddich and Bestcollegeart.com announced Chetnaa Verma as the winner of the third edition of "Emerging Artist of the Year, 2014 Award". In a proud moment for the country, Chetnaa Verma emerges as the winner despite a tough competition from artists all over India. Chetnaa presented outstanding artwork titled - "Crossword of Diagonals" and "On Parallel Ground", for her much deserving win. The core of her practice in art focuses on the series of geometrics and the lines guided by the urban metroscape. Tauseef Khan of Delhi and Shrimanti Saha of Baroda were declared as the first and second runner-up at the finale event. The evening saw the presence of the celebrated jury members and iconic artists from the country coming together for this coveted award ceremony to show their support to the emerging talent.
Recognized as the country's biggest art award, the award is brought together by Bestcollegeart.com, India's most reputed online art gallery dedicated to supporting and nurturing young contemporary artists in partnership with Glenfiddich, the world's most awarded single malt Scotch whisky. Chetnaa will be the artist representing India in 2014 at the globally acclaimed Glenfiddich Artists in Residence (AiR), collaborating with other celebrated international artists, and get an opportunity to live and work at The Glenfiddich Distillery in Scotland for 3 months. The artist received an award of total value INR 10, 00,000 which comprises INR 1, 00,000 as cash reward, three months residency in Scotland with a monthly stipend, materials allowance, travel, accommodation and finally, a solo show at Art District XIII in 2014.
Over 2,500 works by 655 artists were included for this year's contest, out of which five finalists were shortlisted by a 10 member jury, comprising leading artists, curators and collectors. All five finalists showcased their works at an exclusive preview, 'Five for the Future' held at Gallery Nature Morte, The Oberoi, Gurgaon on 4th April, 2014. Chetnaa's artwork will be on view until the 30th of April 2014. Currently in its 13th year, AiR this year will welcome 10 artists from across the globe, the largest group ever, from India, China, Taiwan, Korea, Canada, North America, Mexico, Chile, Spain and the UK.
Mr. Kapil Chopra, President, The Oberoi Group & Mentor, Bestcollegeart.com, said, "We are delighted to host the third edition of the Emerging Artist of the Year award. This is the most important initiative for the growth of Indian contemporary art. The award not only seeks out the next generation of artists but also nurtures and supports emerging talent. The Oberoi Group believes in showcasing the best of Indian art, culture, design and hospitality to the world and this partnership reiterates our commitments towards the goal."
Rajiv Bhatia, Director, William Grant & Sons, India, said, "In the pioneering spirit of our founders, which serves as the cornerstone of our core values - Glenfiddich has been an initiator and supporter of art programmes across the world. Our globally recognized forum - Artists in Residence (AiR), launched in 2002, provides a solid platform for incipient artists from around the world to showcase their talent and to gain international recognition. Since the launch in India in 2012, the programme has received an enthusiastic response from artists across the country.
Andy Fairgrieve, AiR Co-ordinator, William Grant & Sons Distillers Ltd, commented, "Each year, the pioneering Glenfiddich Artists in Residence programme welcomes a number of artists from all over the world to take up a three-month residency at The Glenfiddich Distillery. In 2012, with the exclusive launch of the Emerging Artist of the Year award in India, Glenfiddich took yet another pioneering step in actively supporting young artists in India. We are overwhelmed to see that with the third edition, the award has established itself as one of the country's leading art competitions. Glenfiddich is the true pioneer of single malt Scotch whisky category and is enjoyed by more people around the world than any other single malt Scotch whisky. The essence of our association with Bestcollegeart.com lies in the fact that both Bestcollegeart.com as well the overall ethos of Glenfiddich celebrate the shared passion for art. We look forward to Chetnaa's participation in the AiR programme and wish her the best in his journey to success."
In accepting the honor, Chetnaa Verma said, "I am extremely happy and honoured to win Emerging Artist of the Year Award 2014. Winning this prestigious award has always been a dream, which has now come true for me. I would like to thank my family and friends for all their support which have made these accolades possible for me."
Last year's winner of the 'Emerging Artist of the Year' was Yuvan Bothysathuvar from Chennai, India. He participated in Glenfiddich's 12th annual Artists in Residence programme in 2013 at The Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown, Scotland, along with seven other artists from across the globe.
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