In a significant moment for the contemporary art world, Sikelela Owen has been awarded the prestigious Charles Wollaston Award for her work “KNITTING.” The £35,000 prize, now in its 27th year, is the highest honor bestowed at the Royal Academy of Arts’ annual Summer Exhibition, recognizing the ‘most distinguished work’ on display.
The decision was made by a distinguished panel of judges including the Royal Academy’s President, Rebecca Salter, and acclaimed figures Olivia Laing, Hew Locke RA, and Elif Shafak. Owen’s winning piece, located in Gallery VIII, captured the attention of the judges, distinguishing itself among a vast and diverse collection of contemporary art and architecture.
The Summer Exhibition, a cornerstone of the London art scene, continues its tradition of celebrating and supporting the artistic community through a series of coveted awards.
This year, the £10,000 AXA Art Prize UK for outstanding figurative art was awarded to Miho Sato for “WINDY DAY 2.” The sculpture “I” by the collaborative duo Zatorski + Zatorski claimed the £10,000 Jack Goldhill Award for Sculpture.
Emerging talent was also celebrated, with Winsome Yuen receiving the £5,000 British Institution Fund Award for Students for her piece “SUPERSTITION.”
Several other artists were recognized for their exceptional contributions across various media. Steven Dixon’s “GUNSHOT 1” won the £5,000 Hugh Casson Drawing Prize for an original work on paper. The Sunny Dupree Family Award for a Woman Artist, also £5,000, was presented to Anousha Payne for her sculpture “A TEMPORARY SHIFT, TWIN (SELF-PORTRAIT AS A HORSE).”
Further accolades included the Maire Ragnhild Hollingsworth Prize for Oil Painting, which went to Frances Featherstone for “MOTHERLY LOVES,” and the Viking Prize for Print, awarded to Trevor Price for “ROCK ‘N’ ROLL.” Each of these prizes carries a £5,000 award.
Rounding out the honors, Emmanuel Awuni received The Arts Club Award of £2,500 for his work “THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD.” This prize is designated for an artist aged 35 or under.
The Royal Academy announced the prize winners for the 2025 Summer Exhibition.
